Hydrophilic compositions for use on absorbent articles to enhance skin barrier

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting and enhancing the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include hydrophilic solvents, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols, surfactants, natural fats, natural oils, sterols or sterol derivatives and emollients.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the inclusion of lipid-enriched,hydrophilic compositions with improved stability on the bodyfacingmaterials of disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, trainingpants, adult incontinence products, underpants, feminine care products,nursing pads, wound dressings and similar articles having absorbentcapacity. The present invention also relates to improving skin health byprotecting and enhancing the barrier function of the skin throughdelivery of hydrophilic compositions from the bodyfacing materials ofdisposable absorbent articles to the skin. Prior to delivery to theskin, the compositions are stable on the bodyfacing materials. Thecompositions of the invention can also provide benefit to the barrierfunction of the skin when they are incorporated into otherskin-contacting materials such as tissues, wet wipes and cosmeticcleansing or buffing pads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The stratum corneum is the outer-most layer of the skin and isresponsible for regulating skin water levels and functioning as abarrier against chemicals and other stress agents found in theenvironment. The complex arrangement of lipids in the intercellularspace of the stratum corneum is responsible for the establishment ofnormal barrier function. Multi-layered structures of cholesterol,ceramides and fatty acids, as well as some other minor lipids, providethe major barrier to the transport of substances into or through theskin. The overall structure of the stratum corneum acts as the frontlinebarrier to the skin. The link between skin barrier function and skinhealth is apparent from the skin inflammation caused by lipid extractionfrom the skin. That is, when skin barrier function is impaired, theother layers of the skin can be injured and have a response to thatinjury in the form of inflammation.

In the area of skin health, it is known to apply lipid-containingcompositions to the skin in order to enhance the barrier function of thestratum corneum. This approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,899issued to Elias et al. on Jul. 1, 1997. For some time, those of skill inthe art have believed that it is necessary to apply all three of thelipid components of the stratum corneum (cholesterol, ceramides andfatty acids) to the skin in order to replenish and repair the skin andin order to not affect the normal repair processes of the skin. Inparticular, ceramides are believed to be very important. In fact, theart teaches that if fewer than all three of the components are used in askin composition, the composition could actually compromise or delayrepair of the barrier.

In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/382,018 now U.S. Pat. No.6,475,197 filed Aug. 24, 1999, various compositions for improving skinhealth are described, including compositions suitable for use inconjunction with absorbent articles. The compositions in patentapplication Ser. No. 09/382,018 were found to provide benefits for skinhealth. The compositions were described as containing a variety ofpotential components and, in some forms, the compositions includednatural fats and oils, sterols and sterol derivatives, humectants andsurfactants. These compositions have been found to improve skin healtheven though they do not necessarily include any ceramides. Efficacywithout ceramides was unexpected. Though the exact mechanism offunctionality was not known, one hypothesis was that stronglyhydrophilic components of the compositions, including hydrophilicsolvent and high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, provided anoverall composition that attracted water and that acted as a carrier tobring the lipid components into the skin. The surfactant and humectantcomponents were believed to emulsify the lipid components into thecomposition. Further, these compositions included fatty alcohols that,together with the high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, were usedto solidify the overall composition and to minimize the migration of thecompositions into the nonwoven materials of the absorbent articles.

Therefore, benefits and improvements to skin health have been observedwhen compositions containing the lipids naturally present in the stratumcorneum are applied to the skin. Though the exact mechanisms are notknown, one hypothesis is that the lipids being applied with thecompositions are replenishing lipids that have been lost from thestratum corneum as a result of physical or biological insults. Anotherhypothesis is that the lipids being applied with the compositions areproviding additional lipids to the stratum corneum resulting in betterprotection against insults. The stratum corneum of the skin isconstantly exposed to physical and biological insults that could have anegative effect on barrier function.

Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinenceproducts and feminine care products are worn such that they are indirect contact with the skin of the wearer. An unavoidable consequenceof the use of absorbent articles is that the skin is exposed moredirectly to various physical and biological insults. Consequently, thebarrier function of the skin covered by the absorbent article is put atrisk. In order to provide disposability, absorbent articles areprimarily constructed of nonwoven materials. Even though nonwovenmaterials are engineered to have soft hand and drape, they rub againstthe skin and there is friction. Such friction constitutes one form ofphysical insult to the skin barrier. Friction against the skin barrieralso occurs with the use of absorbent tissues and wipes. Absorbenttissue and wipe products are frequently used for cleansing the skinareas covered by absorbent articles. Absorbent tissue and wipe productsare necessary for removing biological waste materials from the skin.

In addition to these physical insults, skin covered by absorbentarticles is also frequently exposed to biological insults. Biologicalfluids, such as urine, feces, vaginal secretions and nasal secretions,may contain a variety of components that can damage the skin barrier.Examples of these components include proteases, lipases and bile acids.Once the skin barrier is compromised, these components, in addition toother constituents of biological fluids, can initiate or exacerbateinflammation of the skin.

Diaper dermatitis is a genre of skin conditions that, in large part,originate from impaired skin barrier function. Impairment of the skinbarrier can result from a variety of factors, including: increased skinhydration due to the occlusion of the skin caused by diapers, enzymaticskin damage due to fecal and urinary enzymes, and physical damage causedby friction against the diaper surface and repeated cleaning of the skinwith absorbent tissues or wet wipes.

Excessive hydration of the skin also has a negative effect on the skinbarrier. The hydration level of diapered skin, for example, may reachbetween five to ten times that of undiapered skin. Frequent contact ofdiapered skin with urine may also contribute to increased skinhydration. Increased skin hydration disrupts skin lipid organization inthe stratum corneum. This disruption may increase the permeability ofthe skin to irritants from feces and urine, thus increasing the risk ofskin inflammation.

Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, adultincontinence products, absorbent under pants, feminine care products andnursing pads have been used to absorb body fluids and leave the skindry. Disposable absorbent articles of this type generally include aliquid impermeable backsheet member, an absorbent core or assembly, anda liquid permeable body facing or liner material. The body facing orliner material comes into contact with the wearer's skin. While the bodyfacing material is made of a soft, compliant material, the material rubsagainst the skin during use and may not leave the skin completely dryand free of the bodily fluids, such as solid or semi-solid waste, theabsorbent article is trying to absorb. During frequent insults of bodilyfluids and frequent use of disposable absorbent articles, the skin canbecome irritated and appear red and be sore to the touch.

Creams, lotions or ointments can be used to provide an artificialhydrophobic barrier on the skin and to treat skin conditions such asdiaper rash. Application of these types of products to the skin is oftenmessy and inconvenient. Often, these products are not usedprophylactically and are only used when signs of diaper rash arevisible.

Diaper liners and other bodyfacing materials may be treated withemollients, such as petrolatum, that can be transferred to the skinthrough normal diapering practices. Once transferred to the skin, diaperliner formulations may provide an artificial barrier against feces andurine. These formulations may require high concentrations of petrolatumto ensure sufficient transfer to the skin to provide a benefit. Highconcentrations of petrolatum can be messy, greasy to the touch, and mayimpair the fluid handling properties of an absorbent article, such as adiaper. The slow penetration of petrolatum into the skin can lead tosmearing of the agent over the skin and onto clothes and othermaterials.

Formulations, such as those containing petrolatum, are applied to thebodyfacing materials of absorbent articles during manufacture. In orderto process and apply the formulations to the bodyfacing materials, theformulations need to be in a semi-solid or fluid state. However, inorder to have stability on the bodyfacing material after manufacture,the formulations need to be semi-solid or solid across a wide range ofshipping and storage temperatures. Not all of the presently knownformulations are sufficiently stable on the bodyfacing materials.Consequently, such formulations may transfer off of the bodyfacingmaterial prematurely or the formulations may migrate away from theskin-facing surfaces of the materials.

Thus, what is needed is a topically effective composition delivered froma bodyside or bodyfacing material of an absorbent article that protects,maintains, recovers or otherwise benefits skin barrier function againstphysical damage and irritants in biological fluids. It would also bedesirable to provide a topical composition delivered from a bodysidematerial of an absorbent article that absorbs into the skin, isnon-greasy and cosmetically acceptable to the consumer. Additionally, itwould be desirable to provide a topical composition having improvedstability on the bodyside material of an absorbent article. Further, itwould be desirable to provide a topical composition delivered from abodyside material of an absorbent article that does not impair the wastecontainment functions of the absorbent article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above,compositions and the use of those compositions on absorbent articles forimproving the barrier function of the skin have been discovered. Thecompositions of the invention provide several benefits associated withbarrier function including protecting, strengthening, restoring andrepairing the skin barrier. While the compositions of the inventions canhave a variety of applications, the compositions are particularlybeneficial when used in conjunction with absorbent articles such asdiapers, incontinence garments, feminine care products, training pants,diaper pants, nursing pads and wound dressings. Additionally, thecompositions of the invention could also provide benefits when used inconjunction with tissue, pre-moistened wipe products and cosmeticcleansing and buffing pads. A further benefit of the compositions of theinvention is that the compositions show improved stability duringprocessing and application to an article. The purposes and advantages ofthe present invention will be set forth in and apparent from thedescription that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of theinvention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the compositions and articles particularly pointed out inthe written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appendeddrawings.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent articlethat includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner, an absorbent body and acomposition. The bodyside liner is typically liquid permeable anddefines a bodyfacing surface. The bodyside liner is connected in agenerally superposed relation to the outer cover. The absorbent body islocated between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. The compositionis on a portion or the entire bodyfacing surface of the bodyside liner.The composition can be generally solid or semi-solid. The compositionmay be in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, emulsions,lotions, creams, ointments, salves, suspensions, encapsulations, gelsand the like. The composition can be applied to the bodyside liner usinga variety of techniques including foam application, spraying, slotcoating and printing. The present invention also encompasses technologythat would permit integration of the composition directly with fibers orother materials used to form the bodyside liner. The compositions can beapplied to the bodyfacing surface in amounts of from about 0.1 grams permeter squared (g/m²) to about 30 g/m².

The compositions of the invention could also be applied to or be presenton other skin contacting surfaces of absorbent articles such as thewaist and leg elastics and the containment flaps. The compositions caninclude from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight of one or morehydrophilic solvents. More specifically, the compositions can includefrom about 25 to about 75 percent by weight of hydrophilic solvents.Desirably, the compositions of the invention can include from about 30to about 60 percent by weight of hydrophilic solvents. Hydrophilicsolvents include, but are not limited to, water, propylene glycol, lowmolecular weight polyethylene glycols (molecular weights of less than720 daltons and liquid at room temperature), methoxyisopropanol, PPG-2propyl ether, PPG-2 butyl ether, PPG-2 methyl ether, PPG-3 methyl ether,dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether,dipropylene glycol, methyl propanediol, propylene carbonate, watersoluble/dispersible polypropylene glycols, ethoxylated polypropyleneglycol, glycerin, sorbitol solutions, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate,silicone glycols and mixtures of such compounds.

The compositions of the invention also include from about 5 to about 95percent by weight of one or more high molecular weight polyethyleneglycols having a molecular weight of at least about 720 daltons. Morespecifically, the compositions can include from about 10 to about 50percent by weight of high molecular weight polyethylene glycols.Desirably, the compositions of the invention can include from about 15to about 25 percent by weight of high molecular weight polyethyleneglycols. The high molecular weight polyethylene glycols primarilyfunction to provide the hydrophilic solvents and any active ingredientsin solid form. In addition to providing a solid medium for the solvent,and reducing its tendency to migrate, the high molecular weightpolyethylene glycols provide a tackiness to the hydrophilic compositionthat improves transfer to the skin of the wearer. As used herein,suitable high molecular weight polyethylene glycols include, but are notlimited to, the following materials: polyethylene glycols having anaverage molecular weight of 720 daltons or greater, and the like, aswell as mixtures thereof. These materials are not liquid at roomtemperature. Particularly suitable high molecular weight polyethyleneglycols can have an average molecular weight of from 720 to about1,840,000 daltons, more specifically from about 1400 to about 440,000daltons, and still more specifically from about 1760 to about 10,570daltons.

The compositions of the invention also include from about 1 to about 30percent by weight of one or more fatty alcohols. More specifically, thecompositions can include from bout 10 to about 25 percent by weight offatty alcohols. Desirably, the compositions of the invention can includefrom about 15 to about 20 percent by weight of fatty alcohols. As usedherein, suitable fatty alcohols include, but are not limited to, thefollowing materials: alcohols having a carbon chain length of C₁₄-C₃₀ orgreater, including cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol,behenyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the invention also include from about 1 to about 20percent by weight of one or more emulsifying surfactants having an HLBrange greater than 7 or a combination of low and high HLB surfactantsthat provide an HLB range greater than 7. More specifically, thecompositions can include from about 2 to about 15 percent by weight ofsurfactants. Desirably, the compositions of the invention can includefrom about 3 to about 10 percent by weight of surfactants. Emulsifyingsurfactants are employed typically in cosmetic preparations to formemulsions of various components. The immiscible phase, such as an oil,is dispersed as droplets in the continuous phase, such as water or inthis case the hydrophilic solvent. Suitable surfactants include, but arenot limited to, Emulsifying Wax NF, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl StearateSE, Glycol Stearate, Glycol Stearate SE, Glycereth-20 Stearate, GlycerylBehenate, Glyceryl Hydroxystearate, Glyceryl Laurate SE, GlycerylOleate, Glyceryl Oleate SE, Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene GlycolOleate SE, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate SE,Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan Trioleate, water dispersible metal soaps(Sodium Stearate), Behenyl Dimethicone Copolymers, Lauryl MethiconeCopolymers, Cetyl Methicone Compolymers, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolymers,Stearyl Dimethicone Copolymers, Dimethicone Copolymers and mixturesthere of.

The compositions of the invention also include from about 0.1 to about30 weight percent of natural fats or natural oils. More specifically,the compositions can include from about 0.5 to about 20 percent byweight of natural fats or natural oils. Desirably, the compositions ofthe invention include from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight ofnatural fats, natural oils or mixtures of both. Natural fats and oilsinclude fats, oils, essential oils, fatty acids, fatty alcohols,phospholipids and mixtures of these compounds. The natural fats and oilscan be similar to the lipids that are present in healthy skin in orderto mimic the naturally present lipids. Synthetic or syntheticallymodified fats and oils could potentially also be used if they functionedin the same manner as their natural counterparts. Examples of fats andoils include Avocado Oil, Apricot Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Oil, CamelliaOil, Canola Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Corn Oil, Cottonseed Oil,Evening Primrose Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated PalmKernel Oil, Maleated Soybean Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Palm Kernel Oil,Peanut Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Sphingolipids, Sweet AlmondOil, Tall Oil, Lanolin, Lanolin Alcohol, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid,Stearic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, MyristylAlcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Rose Hip Oil, Calendula Oil, Chamomile Oil,Eucalyptus Oil, Juniper Oil, Sandlewood Oil, Tea Tree Oil, SunflowerOil, Soybean Oil, PROLIPID 141 blend (available from InternationalSpecialty Products of Wayne, N.J.) and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the invention also include sterols, sterolderivatives or mixtures of both in an amount of from about 0.1 to about10 percent by weight. Sterols and sterol derivatives include compoundssuch as β-sterols with a tail on the 17 position and no polar groups,such as cholesterol, C₁₀-C₃₀ cholesterol/lanosterol esters, tall oilsterols, soy sterols, sterol esters and mixtures of these compounds.More specifically, the compositions include from about 0.5 to about 5percent by weight of sterols, sterol derivatives or mixtures of both.Even more specifically, the compositions include from about 0.8 to about3 percent by weight of the sterol compounds. Examples of suitable sterolcompounds include cholesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, and ergosterol,as well as, C₁₀-C₃₀ cholesterol/lanosterol esters, cholecalciferol,cholesteryl hydroxystearate, cholesteryl isostearate, cholesterylstearate, 7-dehydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesteryloctyidecanoate, dihydrolanosterol, dihydrolanosteryl octyldecanoate,ergocalciferol, tall oil sterol, soy sterol acetate, lanasterol, soysterol, avocado sterols, “AVOCADIN” (trade name of Croda, Ltd. inParsippany, N.J.), sterol esters and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the invention further include from about 0.1 toabout 10 percent by weight of one or more emollients. More specifically,the compositions include from about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight ofemollient(s). Even more specifically, the compositions include fromabout 1 to about 5 percent by weight of emollient(s). Suitableemollients include petroleum based oils, petrolatum, vegetable oils,mineral oils, lanolin and its derivatives, fatty esters, glycerol estersand their derivatives, propylene glycol esters and their derivatives,alkoxylated carboxylic acids, alkyoxylated alcohols, fatty alcohols,alkyl methicones, alkyl dimethicones, phenyl silicones, alkyltrimethylsilanes, dimethicone and mixtures of such compounds.

The compositions of the invention can include the emollient and skinprotectant, dimethicone. The dimethicone can be blended with the othercomponents through the addition of water-based emulsions containingdimethicone such as emulsions having the trade designations “Dow Corning1669 Emulsion” and “Dow Corning 1664 Emulsion” available from DowCorning of Midland, Mich. The dimethicone can also be blended using amicroencapsulated dimethicone such as are available from LipoTechnologies of Dayton, Ohio or from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. Thedimethicone can also be added to the compositions of the invention inthe form of an entrapped dimethicone. Dimethicone can be entrapped in“Polytrap” or “Microsponges” as are available from Advanced PolymerSystems of San Franciso, Calif. The dimethicone can also be incorporatedin the form of a dimethicone treated powder such as dimethicone-treatedtalc or dimethicone-treated zinc oxide as are available from KOBO ofSouth Plainfield, N.J.

Optionally, the compositions of the invention may include from about 1percent by weight to about 20 percent by weight of one or more viscosityenhancers or rheology modifiers. The viscosity enhancers and rheologymodifiers can be added to increase the melt point viscosity of thecompositions. Increasing the melt point viscosity gives better stabilityof the compositions on the bodyfacing materials of the articles. Theviscosity enhancers and rheology modifiers also improve the stability ofthe composition at the “hot box car” stability temperature of about 130°F. (54.5° C.). Suitable viscosity enhancers can include, but are notlimited to, Actrylamides Copolymers, Agar, Gelatin, Water-DispersableMetal Soaps, Butoxy Chitosan, Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CalciumAlginate, Carbomer, Carboxybutyl Chitosan, Carboxymethyl Chitosan,Carboxymethyl Dextran, Carboxymethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, CelluloseGum, DMAPA Acrylates/Acrylic Acid/Acrylonitrogens, Hectorite, HydratedSilica, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Guar, HydroxypropylMethylcellulose, Isobutylene/Sodium Maleate Copolymer, Kelp, LithiumMagnesium Silicate, Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate,Magnesium/Aluminum/Hydroxide/Carbonate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate,Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Trisilicate, Methoxy PEG-22/Dodecyl GlycolCopolymer, Metyl Cellulose, Metyl Hydroxyethylcellulose,Microcrystalline Cellulose, Montmorillonite, NonoxynolHydroxyethylcellulose, PEG Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate-3, PolyacrylicAcid, Polyethylene/isopropyl Maleate Copolymer, Polymethacrylic Acid,Polyvinyl Alcohol, PVP/Decene Copolymer, PVP Montmorillonite, SodiumAcrylates Copolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer, SodiumAcrylates/Vinyl Isodecanate Crosspolymer, Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch,Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium Polyacrylate, TEAAlginate, TEA Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Polysaccharides and mixturesthereof.

As will be described later in further detail, the compositions of theinvention have been shown to enhance the barrier function of the stratumcorneum of the skin. The presence of the compositions of the inventionon the skin, when the skin is subjected to physical and biologicalinsults, has been shown to be beneficial. Though the exact mechanism(s)is not known, it is possible that the compositions of the inventionenhance the skin barrier because, upon transfer of the composition tothe skin, the lipids (i.e., natural fats/oils, which containnon-essential and essential fatty acids, and the sterols) are readilyavailable to penetrate into the stratum corneum and to help in therepair of the compromised natural barrier of the skin. If the naturalbarrier has not been compromised, the lipids provide a topical barrierto the penetration of harmful biological irritants found in feces,urine, menses and nasal discharge.

In addition to the components already described, the compositions of theinvention may also include active ingredients such as those ingredientsthat may be useful for treating skin irritations such as diaper rash.Examples of such active ingredients include allantoin and itsderivatives, aluminum hydroxide gel, calamine, cocoa butter, cod liveroil, dimethicone, kaolin and its derivatives, lanolin and itsderivatives, mineral oil, petrolatum, shark liver oil, talc, topicalstarch, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide and mixtures of theseingredients. Some of the ingredients listed as possible activeingredients for treating the skin can also be used as emollients.

In order to enhance or increase the function of the compositions of theinvention, additional ingredients may be added. Examples of the classesof ingredients along with their functions include: antifoaming agents(reduce the tendency of foaming during processing); antimicrobialactives; antifungal actives; antiseptic actives; antioxidants (productintegrity); antioxidants-cosmetic (reduce oxidation);astringents-cosmetic (induce a tightening or tingling sensation onskin); astringent-drug (a drug product that checks oozing, discharge orbleeding when applied to skin or mucous membrane and works bycoagulating protein); biological additives (enhance the performance orconsumer appeal of the product); colorants (impart color to theproduct); deodorants (reduce or eliminate unpleasant odor and protectagainst the formation of malodor on body surfaces); other emollients(help to maintain the soft, smooth and pliable appearance of the skin bytheir ability to remain on the skin surface or in the stratum corneum toact as lubricants, to reduce flaking and to improve the skin'sappearance); external analgesics (a topically applied drug that has atopical analgesic, anesthetic or antipruritic effect by depressingcutaneous sensory receptors, or that has a topical counterirritanteffect by stimulating cutaneous sensory receptors); film formers (tohold active ingredients on the skin by producing a continuous film onskin upon drying); fragrances (consumer appeal);silicones/organomodified silicones (protection, tissue water resistance,lubricity, tissue softness); oils (mineral, vegetable and animal);natural moisturizing agents (NMF) and other skin moisturizingingredients known in the art; opacifiers (reduce the clarity ortransparent appearance of the product); powders (enhance lubricity, oiladsorption, provide skin protection, astringency, opacity, etc.); skinconditioning agents; solvents (liquids employed to dissolve componentsfound useful in the cosmetics or drugs); and surfactants (as cleansingagents, emulsifying agents, solubilizing agents and suspending agents).

Ranges are used to describe the relative quantities of compounds in thecompositions of the invention and ranges are used to describe therelative physical properties of the compositions of the invention. It isunderstood that the ranges are by way of illustration only and that oneof skill in the art would recognize that the nature of the specificcompositions dictates the levels to be applied to achieve the desiredresults. The levels of components are ascertainable by routineexperimentation in view of the present disclosure.

The compositions of the invention typically have a melting point of fromabout 32° C. to about 100° C. Melting behavior in this range providescompositions that are relatively immobile and localized on thebodyfacing surface of the bodyside liner of the absorbent article atroom temperature. Though relatively immobile and localized at roomtemperature, the compositions are also readily transferable to thewearer of the article at body temperature through natural rubbing orfriction during wearing and through adhesion of the composition to theskin of the wearer. The compositions also maintain their integrity andare not completely liquid at elevated temperatures such as may beexperienced during storage. Stability in a solid state at elevatedtemperatures is made possible, in part, by the melting point andrheology provided by the high molecular weight polyethylene glycol andthe addition of viscosity enhancers/rheology modifiers, if needed, inthe formulation. Desirably, the compositions of the invention are easilytransferable to the skin by way of normal contact, including adhesion ofthe composition to the skin, wearer motion or body heat. Because thecompositions are relatively immobilized on the bodyfacing surfaces ofthe articles, the quantities of the compositions necessary to providethe desired skin barrier benefits are reduced. In addition, specialbarrier or wrapping materials may not be necessary for the articles ofthe invention.

The compositions of the invention have viscosities that range from about10 to about 10,000 centipoise as measured at a temperature of 60° C. At55° C., the compositions have viscosities greater than about 200centipoise. The compositions may also have a penetration hardness offrom about 5 millimeters to about 365 millimeters at 25° C. Thecompositions can have process viscosities of less than about 100centipoise under shear and pressure.

The present invention is further directed to a method of applying acomposition to a bodyfacing surface of a bodyside liner of an absorbentarticle. The method of the invention includes a step of heating acomposition to a temperature above the melting point of the composition.The composition can have a melting point of from about 32° C. to about100° C. The composition can include one or more hydrophilic solvents,one or more high molecular weight polyethylene glycols having amolecular weight of at least 720 daltons, one or more C₁₄ to C₃₀ fattyalcohols, one or more emulsifying surfactants having a combined HLB in arange greater than 7, natural fats or oils, one or more sterols orsterol derivatives and one or more emollients. The composition can alsoinclude one or more viscosity enhancers or rheology modifiers. Themethod further includes a step of applying the composition to thebodyfacing surface of a bodyside liner of an absorbent article. Thebodyfacing surface is that surface of the absorbent article that comesinto contact with the skin of the wearer of the absorbent article. Othercomponents of the absorbent article besides the bodyside liner may comeinto contact with the skin of the wearer. The composition can also beapplied to those components including the waist elastics, the legelastics, containment flaps and any other components coming into contactwith the skin. The composition can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaceusing a variety of techniques including foam application, spraying, slotcoating, printing or combinations of these application techniques. Themethod of the invention also includes a step of resolidifying thecomposition. The composition can be resolidified in a variety of waysincluding chilling, slow cooling, curing or a combination of thesetechniques. After resolidification, the composition typically has astatic viscosity of greater than about 200 centipoise. Further, thecomposition can have a penetration hardness of from about 5 to about 365millimeters at 25° C. after the step of resolidification.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to acomposition. While the composition may have other useful functions, thecomposition generally provides a benefit to the function of the skinbarrier. The composition can include from about 10 to about 90 percentby weight of one or more hydrophilic solvents, or a mixture ofhydrophilic solvents. The composition can also include from about 5 toabout 95 percent by weight of one or more high molecular weightpolyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of at least 720 daltons,or mixtures of such glycols. The composition further includes from about1 to about 30 percent by weight of one or more C₁₄ to C₃₀ fattyalcohols, or a mixture of such fatty alcohols. The composition can alsoinclude from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of one or moreemulsifying surfactants, including oil-in-water surfactants, having acombined HLB with a range greater than 7, or mixtures of suchsurfactants. The composition can include from about 0.1 to about 30percent by weight of one or more natural fats or oils, or thecomposition can include a mixture of one or more natural fats and oils.The composition can also include from about 0.1 to about 10 percent byweight of one or more sterols, sterol derivatives or mixtures of bothsterols and sterol derivatives. An additional component of thecomposition of the invention can be from about 10 to about 10 percent byweight of one or more emollients. The composition can further includefrom about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of one or more viscosityenhancers or rheology modifiers.

The composition of the invention can have a melting point of from about32° C. to about 100° C. depending on the function for which thecomposition is intended to be employed. If the composition is intendedto be applied to an absorbent article, it may be desirable for thecomposition to have a melting point such that the composition isimmobile at room temperature. Depending on the processing and handlingto which the composition will be exposed, it may be beneficial for thecomposition to have a process viscosity of less than about 100centipoise under shear and pressure. The composition can have apenetration hardness of from about 5 to about 365 millimeters at 25° C.Examples of specific compounds for the hydrophilic solvent, highmolecular weight polyethylene glycol, fatty alcohol, oil-in-wateremulsifying surfactant/surfactant combination, fat/oil, sterol/sterolderivative, emollient and viscosity enhancer/rheology modifiercomponents of the composition can be as described previously and as willbe described herein.

In an additional embodiment, the present invention is directed to amethod for improving skin barrier function of a skin surface of a user.The method can include a step of contacting the skin surface of a userwith a bodyfacing surface of a liner material. The liner material may beany type of woven or non-woven material. More specifically, the linermaterial is of a material that is typically used for the bodyside linerof an absorbent article. The bodyfacing surface has a composition on it.The composition can include a hydrophilic solvent, a high molecularweight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of at least 720daltons, a C₁₄ to C₃₀ fatty alcohol, an oil-in-water emulsifyingsurfactant having a combined HLB in a range greater than 7, natural fator oil, a sterol or sterol derivative, an emollient and a viscosityenhancer/rheology modifier. More specifically, the composition caninclude from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight of hydrophilicsolvent, from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of high molecularweight polyethylene glycol, from about 1 to about 30 percent by weightof C₁₄ to C₃₀ fatty alcohol, from about 1 to about 20 percent by weightof oil-in-water emulsifying surfactant/surfactant combination, fromabout 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight of natural fats or oils, fromabout 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of sterols or sterolderivatives, from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of emollientsand, optionally, from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of viscosityenhancers/rheology modifiers.

The method can also include a step of maintaining the bodyfacing surfaceof the liner material in contact with the skin surface of a user for asufficient amount of time to transfer the composition to the skinsurface. For purposes of the method, a sufficient amount of time wouldbe the amount of time necessary for enough of the composition to havebeen transferred so as to enhance the skin barrier. The method of theinvention further includes a step of repeating contact of the skinsurface with the bodyfacing surface of the liner material for asufficient amount of time in order to have an improvement in the skinbarrier function of the wearer's skin. The repeated contact can occur byeither applying additional composition to the bodyfacing surface of theliner material or by applying a new liner material having a full amountof the composition on the bodyfacing surface.

The absorbent articles, methods and compositions of the inventionadvantageously enhance the skin barrier in such a way not observed withconventional absorbent articles and compositions. Consequently, use ofthe absorbent articles and compositions of the invention enhance theskin barrier to protect against damage caused by physical and biologicalirritations. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. Theaccompanying drawings, that are incorporated in and constitute part ofthis specification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the articles, methods and compositions of theinvention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explainthe various aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and furtheradvantages will become apparent when reference is made to the followingdetailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. Thedrawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit thescope of the claims. Like parts of the absorbent articles depicted inthe drawings are referred to by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 representatively shows a partially cut away, top plan view of anabsorbent article according to one embodiment of the invention in astretched and laid flat condition with the surface of the article thatcontacts the skin of the wearer facing the view;

FIG. 2 representatively shows a sectional view of the absorbent articleof FIG. 1 taken along line 2—2; and

FIG. 3 representatively shows a top plan view of the bodyside liner ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1 with the surface that contacts thewearer facing the viewer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to solving problems related toenhancing the barrier function of the skin when the skin is exposed tocauses of physical and biological damage. Similarly, the presentinvention is directed to solving problems related to the prevention andtreatment of diaper rash.

The present invention encompasses compositions, compositions as they areapplied to the bodyfacing materials of absorbent articles, absorbentarticles including compositions and methods of applying compositions toabsorbent articles. The following detailed description will be made inthe context of one type of absorbent article, a disposable diaper thatis adapted to be worn by infants about their lower torso. It is readilyapparent, however, that the absorbent article of the present inventionwould also be suitable for use as another type of absorbent article,such as a feminine care pad, an incontinence garment, a training pant, aprefastened or refastenable diaper pant, a wound dressing or a nursingpad. Further, the compositions of the invention are not limited toapplication on the bodyfacing materials of absorbent articles. Forexample, the compositions of the inventions could be used onskin-contacting substrates such as tissues, wet (pre-moistened) wipematerials and cosmetic pads (such as for cleansing or buffing).

FIG. 1 is a representative plan view of a disposable diaper 10 of thepresent invention in a flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., with allelastic induced gathering and contraction removed). The bodyfacingsurface 11 of the diaper 10, that is, the surface 11 of the diaper 10that contacts the wearer is facing the viewer. The compositions of theinvention can be applied to one or more bodyfacing materials that arecomponents of the diaper 10. As used herein, the term ‘bodyfacingmaterial’ includes, but is not limited to, materials such as thebodyside liner or topsheet, elastic material, tissue, intake anddistribution material, absorbent material, and backsheet material. Eachof these materials and components of a diaper 10 are described morefully herein. The compositions of the invention are applied to one ormore of the bodyfacing materials in order to have a beneficial effect onthe skin barrier. The bodyfacing material of the present invention canbe a single layer or multi-layered.

With reference to FIG. 1, the diaper 10 generally defines a front waistsection 12, a rear waist section 14, and an intermediate section 16 thatinterconnects the front and rear waist sections 12 and 14. The front andrear waist sections 12 and 14 include the general portions of the diaper10 that are constructed to extend substantially over the wearer's frontand rear abdominal regions, respectively, during use. The intermediatesection 16 of the diaper 10 includes the general portion of the diaper10 that is constructed to extend through the wearer's crotch regionbetween the legs.

The diaper 10 includes a vapor permeable backsheet or outer cover 20, aliquid permeable topsheet or bodyside liner 22 positioned in facingrelation with the outer cover 20, and an absorbent body 24, such as anabsorbent pad, which is located between the outer cover 20 and thebodyside liner 22. The outer cover 20 defines a length and a width that,in the illustrated embodiment, coincide with the length and width of thediaper 10. The absorbent body 24 generally defines a length and widththat are less than the length and width of the outer cover 20,respectively. Thus, marginal portions of the diaper 10, such as marginalsections of the outer cover 20, may extend past the terminal edges ofthe absorbent body 24. In the illustrated embodiments, for example, theouter cover 20 extends outwardly beyond the terminal marginal edges ofthe absorbent body 24 to form side margins and end margins of the diaper10. The bodyside liner 22 is generally coextensive with the outer cover20 but may optionally cover an area that is larger or smaller than thearea of the outer cover 20, as desired. In other words, the bodysideliner 22 is connected in superposed relation to the outer cover 20. Theouter cover 20 and bodyside liner 22 are intended to face the garmentand body of the wearer, respectively, while in use.

To provide improved fit and to help reduce leakage of body exudates fromthe diaper 10, the diaper side margins and end margins may beelasticized with suitable elastic members, such as single or multiplestrands of elastic. The elastic strands may be composed of natural orsynthetic rubber and may optionally be heat shrinkable or heatelasticizable. For example, as representatively illustrated in FIG. 1,the diaper 10 may include leg elastics 26 which are constructed tooperably gather and shirr the side margins of the diaper 10 to provideelasticized leg bands which can closely fit around the legs of thewearer to reduce leakage and provide improved comfort and appearance.Similarly, waist elastics 28 can be employed to elasticize the endmargins of the diaper 10 to provide elasticized waists. The waistelastics 28 are configured to operably gather and shirr the waistsections to provide a resilient, comfortably close fit around the waistof the wearer. In the illustrated embodiments, the elastic members areillustrated in their uncontracted, stretched condition for the purposeof clarity.

Fastening means, such as hook and loop fasteners 30, are employed tosecure the diaper 10 on a wearer. Alternatively, other fastening means,such as buttons, pins, snaps, adhesive tape fasteners, cohesives,mushroom-and-loop fasteners, or the like, may be employed. Additionally,more than two fasteners can be provided, particularly if the diaper 10is to be provided in a prefastened configuration. The fasteners can varyin size and form.

The diaper 10 may further include other layers between the absorbentbody 24 and the bodyside liner 22 or outer cover 20. For example, asrepresentatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diaper 10 may includea ventilation layer 32 located between the absorbent body 24 and theouter cover 20 to insulate the outer cover 20 from the absorbent body24, to improve air circulation and to effectively reduce the dampness ofthe garment facing surface of the outer cover 20. The ventilation layer32 may also assist in distributing fluid exudates to portions of theabsorbent body 24 that do not directly receive the insult. The diaper 10may also include a surge management layer 34 located between thebodyside liner 22 and the absorbent body 24 to prevent pooling of thefluid exudates and further improve air exchange and distribution of thefluid exudates within the diaper 10.

The diaper 10 may be of various suitable shapes. For example, the diapermay have an overall rectangular shape, T-shape or an approximatelyhourglass shape. In the shown embodiment, the diaper 10 has a generallyI-shape. The diaper 10 further defines a longitudinal direction 36 and alateral direction 38. Other suitable diaper components that may beincorporated on absorbent articles of the present invention includecontainment flaps, waist flaps, elastomeric side panels, and the likewhich are generally known to those skilled in the art. Likewise, if thediaper 10 is to be sold in a prefastened condition, the diaper 10 mayhave passive bonds (not shown) that join the rear waist section 14 withthe front waist section 12.

Examples of diaper configurations suitable for use in connection withthe instant application that may include other diaper componentssuitable for use on diapers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,603issued Jan. 17, 1989, to Meyer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,668 issuedJan. 5, 1993, to Bernardin; U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,672 issued Jan. 5, 1993,to Bruemmer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,606 issued Mar. 9, 1993, toProxmire et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,915 issued Apr. 23, 1996 toHanson et al., the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference.

The various components of the diaper 10 are integrally assembledtogether employing various types of suitable attachment means, such asadhesive, sonic bonds, thermal bonds or combinations thereof. In theshown embodiment, for example, the bodyside liner 22 and outer cover 20are assembled to each other and to the absorbent body 24 with lines ofadhesive, such as a hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive. Similarly,other diaper components, such as the elastic members 26 and 28,fastening members 30, and ventilation and surge layers 32 and 34 may beassembled into the diaper 10 by employing the above-identifiedattachment mechanisms.

The outer cover 20 of the diaper 10, as representatively illustrated inFIG. 1, is composed of a substantially vapor permeable material. Thepermeability of the outer cover 20 is configured to enhance thebreathability of the diaper 10 and to reduce the hydration of thewearer's skin during use without allowing excessive condensation ofvapor, such as urine, on the garment facing surface of the outer cover20 that can undesirably dampen the wearer's clothes. The outer cover 20is generally constructed to be permeable to at least water vapor and hasa water vapor transmission rate of at least about 1000 g/m²/24 hr.,desirably at least about 1500 g/m²/24 hr, more desirably at least about2000 g/m²/24 hr., and even more desirably at least about 3000 g/m²/24hr. For example, the outer cover 20 may define a water vaportransmission rate of from about 1000 to about 6000 g/m²/24 hr. Materialsthat have a water vapor transmission rate less than those above do notallow a sufficient amount of air exchange and undesirably result inincreased levels of skin hydration.

The outer cover 20 is also desirably substantially liquid impermeable.For example, the outer cover 20 may be constructed to provide ahydrohead value of at least about 60 cm, desirably at least about 80 cm,and more desirably at least about 100 cm when subjected to theHydrostatic Pressure Test. Materials that have hydrohead values lessthan those above undesirably result in the strike through of liquids,such as urine, during use. Such fluid strike through can undesirablyresult in a damp, clammy feeling on the outer cover 20 during use.

The outer cover 20 may be composed of any suitable materials that eitherdirectly provide the above desired levels of liquid impermeability andair permeability or, in the alternative, materials that can be modifiedor treated in some manner to provide such levels. In one embodiment, theouter cover 20 may be a nonwoven fibrous web constructed to provide therequired level of liquid impermeability. For example, a nonwoven webcomposed of spunbond or meltblown polymer fibers may be selectivelytreated with a water repellent coating or laminated with a liquidimpermeable, vapor permeable polymer film to provide the outer cover 20.In a particular embodiment of the invention, the outer cover 20 mayinclude a nonwoven web composed of a plurality of randomly depositedhydrophobic thermoplastic meltblown fibers that are sufficiently bondedor otherwise connected to one another to provide a substantially vaporpermeable and substantially liquid impermeable web. The outer cover 20may also include a vapor permeable nonwoven layer that has beenpartially coated or otherwise configured to provide liquidimpermeability in selected areas.

Examples of suitable materials for the outer cover 20 are also describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,765 issued Jan. 9, 1996 in the name of Bradley etal. and entitled “NONWOVEN FABRIC LAMINATE WITH ENHANCED BARRIERPROPERTIES”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,341 issued Mar. 9, 1999 in the name ofOdorzynski et al. and entitled “ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A BREATHABILITYGRADIENT”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,056 issued Dec. 1, 1998, in the name ofGood et al. and entitled “ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A COMPOSITEBREATHABLE BACKSHEET”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/882,712filed Jun. 25, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,736, in the name ofMcCormack et al. and entitled “LOW GAUGE FILMS AND FILM/NONWOVENLAMINATES”, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference.

In a particular embodiment, the outer cover 20 is provided by amicroporous film/nonwoven laminate material that includes a spunbondnonwoven material laminated to a microporous film. The spunbond nonwovencomprises filaments of about 1.8 denier extruded from a copolymer ofethylene with about 3.5 weight percent propylene and defines a basisweight of from about 17 to about 25 grams per square meter. The filmcomprises a cast coextruded film having calcium carbonate particlestherein and defines a basis weight of about 58 grams per square meterprior to stretching. The film is preheated, stretched and annealed toform the micropores and then laminated to the spunbond nonwoven. Theresulting microporous film/nonwoven laminate based material has a basisweight of from about 30 to about 60 grams per square meter and a watervapor transmission rate of from about 3000 to about 6000 g/m²/24 hr.Examples of such film/nonwoven laminate materials are described in moredetail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/882,712 filed Jun. 25,1997, in the name of McCormack et al. and entitled “LOW GAUGE FILMS ANDFILM/NONWOVEN LAMINATES”, the disclosure of which has been incorporatedby reference.

In another embodiment, the outer cover 20 is provided by an extensiblematerial. Further, the outer cover 20 can also be provided by a materialhaving stretch in both the longitudinal 36 and lateral 38 directions.When the outer cover 20 is made from extensible or stretchablematerials, the diaper 10 provides additional benefits to the wearerincluding improved fit.

The bodyside liner 22, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,defines a bodyfacing surface 11 that is compliant, soft feeling, andnonirritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the bodyside liner 22 maybe less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 24, to present a relativelydry surface to the wearer, and may be sufficiently porous to be liquidpermeable, permitting liquid to readily penetrate through its thickness.A suitable bodyside liner 22 may be manufactured from a wide selectionof web materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, aperturedplastic films, natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers),synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or acombination of natural and synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner 22 issuitably employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids held inthe absorbent body 24.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the bodyside liner22. For example, the bodyside liner 22 may be composed of a meltblown orspunbond web of polyolefin fibers. The bodyside liner 22 may also be abonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. Thebodyside liner 22 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobicmaterial, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated witha surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level ofwettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of thepresent invention, the bodyside liner 22 comprises a nonwoven, spunbond,polypropylene fabric composed of about 2.8-3.2 denier fibers formed intoa web having a basis weight of about 22 grams per square meter and adensity of about 0.06 gram per cubic centimeter.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the bodyside liner22 may be surface treated with about 0.3 weight percent of a surfactantmixture that contains a mixture of AHCOVEL Base N-62 surfactant andGLUCOPON 220UP surfactant in about a 3:1 ratio based on a total weightof the surfactant mixture. The AHCOVEL Base N-62 surfactant is purchasedfrom Hodgson Textile Chemicals Inc., a business having offices in MountHolly, N.C., and includes a blend of hydrogenated ethoxylated castor oiland sorbitan monooleate in a 55:45 weight ratio. The GLUCOPON 220UPsurfactant is purchased from Henkel Corporation and includes alkylpolyglycoside. The surfactant may also include additional ingredientssuch as aloe. The surfactant may be applied by any conventional means,such as spraying, printing, brush coating, foam or the like. Thesurfactant may be applied to the entire bodyside liner 22 or may beselectively applied to particular sections of the bodyside liner 22,such as the medial section along the longitudinal centerline of thediaper, to provide greater wettability of such sections.

The absorbent body 24 of the diaper 10, as representatively illustratedin FIG. 1, may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such asa web of cellulosic fluff, mixed with particles of a high-absorbencymaterial commonly known as superabsorbent material. In a particularembodiment, the absorbent body 24 includes a matrix of cellulosic fluff,such as wood pulp fluff, and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles.The wood pulp fluff may be exchanged with synthetic, polymeric,meltblown fibers or with a combination of meltblown fibers and naturalfibers. The superabsorbent particles may be substantially homogeneouslymixed with the hydrophilic fibers or may be nonuniformly mixed.Alternatively, the absorbent body 24 may include a laminate of fibrouswebs and superabsorbent material or other suitable matrix formaintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area.

The absorbent body 24 may have any of a number of shapes. For example,the absorbent body 24 may be rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped. It isgenerally preferred that the absorbent body 24 is narrower in theintermediate section than in the front or rear waist sections of thediaper 10. The absorbent body 24 may be provided by a single layer or,in the alternative, may be provided by multiple layers, all of whichneed not extend the entire length and width of the absorbent body 24. Ina particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent body 24 can begenerally T-shaped with the laterally extending cross-bar of the “T”generally corresponding to the front waist section 12 of the absorbentarticle for improved performance, especially for male infants. In theillustrated embodiments, for example, the absorbent body 24 across thefront waist section 12 of the article has a cross-directional width ofabout 18 centimeters, the narrowest portion of the intermediate section16 has a width of about 7.5 centimeters and in the rear waist section 14has a width of about 11.4 centimeters.

The size and the absorbent capacity of absorbent body 24 should becompatible with the size of the intended wearer and the liquid loadingimparted by the intended use of the absorbent article. Further, the sizeand the absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 24 can be varied toaccommodate wearers ranging from infants through adults. In addition, ithas been found that with the present invention, the densities and/orbasis weights of the absorbent body 24 can be varied. In a particularaspect of the invention, the absorbent body 24 has an absorbent capacityof at least about 300 grams of synthetic urine.

In embodiments wherein the absorbent body 24 includes the combination ofhydrophilic fibers and high-absorbency particles, the hydrophilic fibersand high-absorbency particles can form an average basis weight for theabsorbent body 24 that is within the range of about 400-900 grams persquare meter. In certain aspects of the invention, the average compositebasis weight of such an absorbent body 24 is within the range of about500-800 grams per square meter, and preferably is within the range ofabout 550-750 grams per square meter to provide the desired performance.

To provide the desired thinness dimension to the various configurationsof the absorbent article of the invention, the absorbent body 24 can beconfigured with a bulk thickness that is not more than about 0.6centimeters. Preferably, the bulk thickness is not more than about 0.53centimeters, and more preferably is not more than about 0.5 centimetersto provide improved benefits. The bulk thickness is determined under arestraining pressure of 0.2 psi (1.38 kPa).

The high-absorbency material can be selected from natural, synthetic,and modified natural polymers and materials. The high-absorbencymaterials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organiccompounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term “crosslinked” refersto methods for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materialssubstantially water insoluble but swellable. Such methods include, forexample, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds,ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such ashydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic, polymeric, high-absorbency materials include thealkali metal and ammonium salts of poly(acrylic acid) andpoly(methacrylic acid), poly(acrylamides), poly(vinyl ethers), maleicanhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinyl morpholinone), poly(vinyl alcohol), andmixtures and copolymers thereof. Further polymers suitable for use inthe absorbent body 24 include natural and modified natural polymers,such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid graftedstarch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and the natural gums, such as alginates, xanthan gum, locustbean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partiallysynthetic absorbent polymers can also be useful in the presentinvention.

The high absorbency material may be in any of a wide variety ofgeometric forms. As a general rule, it is preferred that the highabsorbency material be in the form of discrete particles. However, thehigh absorbency material may also be in the form of fibers, flakes,rods, spheres, needles, or the like. In general, the high absorbencymaterial is present in the absorbent body 24 in an amount of from about5 to about 90 percent by weight, desirably in an amount of at leastabout 30 percent by weight, and even more desirably in an amount of atleast about 50 percent by weight based on a total weight of theabsorbent body 24. For example, in a particular embodiment, theabsorbent body 24 may include a laminate which includes at least about50 percent by weight and desirably at least about 70 percent by weightof high-absorbency material overwrapped by a fibrous web or othersuitable material for maintaining the high-absorbency material in alocalized area.

An example of high-absorbency material suitable for use in the presentinvention is SANWET IM 3900 polymer available from Hoechst Celanese, abusiness having offices in Portsmouth, Va. Other suitablesuperabsorbents may include FAVOR SXM 880 polymer obtained fromStockhausen, a business having offices in Greensboro, N.C.

Optionally, a substantially hydrophilic tissue wrapsheet (notillustrated) may be employed to help maintain the integrity of thestructure of the absorbent body 24. The tissue wrapsheet is typicallyplaced about the absorbent body 24 over at least the two major facingsurfaces thereof. The tissue wrapsheet can be composed of an absorbentcellulosic material, such as creped wadding or a high wet-strengthtissue. In one aspect of the invention, the tissue wrapsheet can beconfigured to provide a wicking layer that helps to rapidly distributeliquid over the mass of absorbent fibers constituting the absorbent body24.

The absorbent body 24 of the different aspects of the present inventionfurther includes a plurality of zones of high air permeability whichallow air and vapors to readily pass through the absorbent body 24 andthrough the vapor permeable outer cover 20 out of the diaper 10 intoambient air. For example, the absorbent body 24 may include a pluralityof air passageways that provide the absorbent body 24 with zones orregions of high air permeability. The portions of the absorbent body 24adjacent the air passageways provide zones or regions of highabsorption. The zones of high air permeability are designed to providethe maximum air exchange from the absorbent body 24 while the zones ofhigh absorption are designed to receive and hold the majority of thebody exudates. The absorbent body 24 may define any number of zones ofhigh air permeability that provide the improved air exchange. Desirably,the absorbent body 24 defines at least 3 and more desirably at least 5different zones of high air permeability for improved performance.

The zones of high air permeability, such as the air passageways, areconfigured to enhance the breathability of the article to reduce thehydration of the wearer's skin during use without allowing excessivecondensation of vapor, such as urine, on the garment facing surface ofthe outer cover 20. Such condensation of vapor on the outer surface ofthe diaper 10 can undesirably dampen the wearer's clothes. The zones ofhigh air permeability are generally located in the area of the diaperover which air and vapor can transfer from the bodyside liner 22,through the absorbent body 24 and any other intervening layer or layersof material, and out the vapor permeable outer cover 20. For example,the zones of high air permeability may be located throughout the entireabsorbent body 24 or may be selectively located in those regions of theabsorbent body 24 that provide the maximum air exchange, such as theintermediate section 16 of the diaper 20. In a particular embodiment,the zones of high air permeability are located in the front andintermediate sections 12 and 16, respectively, of the diaper 10 forimproved air exchange.

The zones of high absorption, on the other hand, are not designed totransfer a high level of air and vapor from the interior of the diaper10. Thus, the air exchange from the bodyside liner 22 of the diaper 10to the outer cover 20 of the diaper and into the ambient atmosphere(exterior of the diaper 10) occurs generally through the absorbent body24 in the zones of high air permeability. Some air exchange through theabsorbent body 24 can also occur in the zones of high absorption to alimited degree. The zones of high air permeability may have any desiredconfiguration including rectangular, circular, hourglass, oval, and thelike, and may also include selected longitudinal or lateral strips ormultiple regions which may be intermittently located.

The zones of high air permeability may have any desired dimensions thateffectively provide improved air exchange while preventing excessivecondensation of vapor from the absorbent body 24 through and onto thegarment facing surface of the outer cover 20. Desirably, the zones ofhigh air permeability may define a total area of from about 5 to about75 percent, more desirably at least about 10 percent, even moredesirably from about 10 to about 70 percent, and still more desirablyfrom about 10 to about 60 percent of the total surface area of theabsorbent body 24 of the diaper 10. For example, in a diaper 10 intendedfor use on a medium sized infant, the zones of high air permeability maydefine a total area of from about 6 to about 90 square centimeters.

When the total area of the zones of high air permeability is greaterthan the above amounts, the diaper 10 may exhibit an undesirable amountof condensation of vapor on the exposed, garment facing surface of theouter cover 20 undesirably resulting in a clammy feeling on the outersurface of the diaper 10. Whereas, when the total area of the zones ofhigh air permeability is less than the above amounts, the diaper 10 mayexhibit a low level of air exchange resulting in high levels of skinhydration that can undesirably lead to skin irritation and rash.

The zones of high air permeability of the absorbent body 24 of thediaper 10 are constructed to be substantially permeable to at least airand preferably permeable to water vapor. For example, the zones of highair permeability of the absorbent body 24 define a Frazier Porosityvalue which is at least about 10 percent, more desirably at least about20 percent and even more desirably at least about 50 percent greaterthan the Frazier Porosity value of the zones of high absorption of theabsorbent body 24. As used herein, the term “Frazier Porosity” refers tothe value determined according to the Frazier Porosity Test set forthbelow. When the zones of high air permeability exhibit Frazier Porosityvalues less than those indicated above, the diaper 10 may exhibit a lowlevel of air exchange resulting in high levels of skin hydration thatcan undesirably lead to skin irritation and rash.

The zones of high air permeability may be provided in a variety of ways.The zones of high air permeability may be integral portions of theabsorbent body 24 of the absorbent article or may be provided byapertures, holes or open spaces in the absorbent body 24. For example,portions of the absorbent body 24 may be discontinuous or removed toprovide the zones. Alternatively, the zones of high air permeability maybe provided by portions of the absorbent body 24 that are constructed toabsorb less fluid exudates thereby resulting in improved air flowthrough such portions in use. For example, portions of the absorbentbody 24 may be void of or contain substantially less high-absorbencymaterial than other portions of the absorbent body 24 to provide suchimproved air flow. Portions of the absorbent body 24 may otherwise betreated or coated with a solution that renders them hydrophobic toprovide the zones of high air permeability in selected areas. In otheralternative configurations, the zones of high air permeability may beprovided by creating voids or holes in the absorbent body 24 and placingother materials having a higher air permeability than the absorbent body24, such as those materials described below as being suitable for thesurge management layer 34, in the holes or voids.

Due to the thinness of absorbent body 24 and the high absorbencymaterial within the absorbent body 24, the liquid uptake rates of theabsorbent body 24, by itself, may be too low, or may not be adequatelysustained over multiple insults of liquid into the absorbent body 24. Toimprove the overall liquid uptake and air exchange, the diaper 10 of thedifferent aspects of the present invention may further include a porous,liquid-permeable layer of surge management material 34, asrepresentatively illustrated in FIG. 1. The surge management layer 34 istypically less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 24, and has anoperable level of density and basis weight to quickly collect andtemporarily hold liquid surges, to transport the liquid from its initialentrance point and to substantially completely release the liquid toother parts of the absorbent body 24. This configuration can helpprevent the liquid from pooling and collecting on the portion of thediaper 10 positioned against the wearer's skin, thereby reducing thefeeling of wetness by the wearer. The structure of the surge managementlayer 34 also generally enhances the air exchange within the diaper 10.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used to construct the surgemanagement layer 34. For example, the surge management layer 34 may be alayer composed of a meltblown or spunbond web of synthetic fibers, suchas polyolefin fibers. The surge management layer 34 may also be abonded-carded-web or an airlaid web composed of natural and syntheticfibers. The bonded-carded-web may, for example, be a thermally bondedweb that is bonded using low melt binder fibers, powder or adhesive. Thewebs can optionally include a mixture of different fibers. The surgemanagement layer 34 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobicmaterial, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with asurfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level ofwettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment, the surgemanagement layer 34 includes a hydrophobic, nonwoven material having abasis weight of from about 30 to about 120 grams per square meter.

For example, in a particular embodiment, the surge management layer 34may include a bonded-carded-web, nonwoven fabric that includesbicomponent fibers and that defines an overall basis weight of about 83grams per square meter. The surge management layer 34 in such aconfiguration can be a homogeneous blend composed of about 60 weightpercent polyethylene/polyester (PE/PET), sheath-core bicomponent fibersthat have a fiber denier of about 3 d and about 40 weight percent singlecomponent polyester fibers that have a fiber denier of about 6 d andthat have fiber lengths of from about 3.8 to about 5.08 centimeters.

In the illustrated embodiments, the surge management layer 34 isarranged in a direct, contacting liquid communication with the absorbentbody 24. The surge management layer 34 may be operably connected to thebodyside liner 22 with a conventional pattern of adhesive, such as aswirl adhesive pattern. In addition, the surge management layer 34 maybe operably connected to the absorbent body 24 with a conventionalpattern of adhesive. The amount of adhesive add-on should be sufficientto provide the desired levels of bonding, but should be low enough toavoid excessively restricting the movement of liquid from the bodysideliner 22, through the surge management layer 34 and into the absorbentbody 24.

The absorbent body 24 is positioned in liquid communication with surgemanagement layer 34 to receive liquids released from the surgemanagement layer 34, and to hold and store the liquid. In the shownembodiment, the surge management layer 34 includes a separate layer thatis positioned over another, separate layer including the absorbent body24, thereby forming a dual-layer arrangement. The surge management layer34 serves to quickly collect and temporarily hold discharged liquids, totransport such liquids from the point of initial contact and spread theliquid to other parts of the surge management layer 34, and then tosubstantially completely release such liquids into the layer or layersconstituting the absorbent body 24.

The surge management layer 34 can be of any desired shape. Suitableshapes include for example, circular, rectangular, triangular,trapezoidal, oblong, dog-boned, hourglass-shaped, or oval. In certainembodiments, for example, the surge management layer 34 can be generallyrectangular-shaped. In the illustrated embodiments, the surge managementlayer 34 is coextensive with the absorbent body 24. Alternatively, thesurge management layer 34 may extend over only a part of the absorbentbody 24. Where the surge management layer 34 extends only partiallyalong the length of the absorbent body 24, the surge management layer 34may be selectively positioned anywhere along the absorbent body 24. Forexample, the surge management layer 34 may function more efficientlywhen it is offset toward the front waist section 12 of the diaper 10.The surge management layer 34 may also be approximately centered aboutthe longitudinal center line of the absorbent body 24.

Additional materials suitable for the surge management layer 34 are setforth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,166 issued Jan. 23, 1996 in the name of C.Ellis et al. and entitled “FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB SURGE LAYER FOR PERSONALCARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND THE LIKE”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,846 issuedFeb. 13, 1996 in the name of Ellis et al. and entitled “IMPROVED SURGEMANAGEMENT FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB FOR PERSONAL CARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES ANDTHE LIKE”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,382 issued Nov. 15, 1994 in the nameof Latimer et al. and entitled “ABSORBENT STRUCTURE HAVING IMPROVEDFLUID SURGE MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCT INCORPORATING SAME”, the disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As representatively illustrated in FIG. 1, the diaper 10 may alsoinclude a ventilation layer 32 located between the outer cover 20 andthe absorbent body 24. The ventilation layer 32 serves to facilitate themovement of air within and through the diaper 10 and prevent the outercover 20 from being in surface to surface contact with at least aportion of the absorbent body 24. Specifically, the ventilation layer 32serves as a conduit through which air and water vapor can move from theabsorbent body 24 through the vapor permeable outer cover 20.

The ventilation layer 32 may be formed from materials described above asbeing suitable for the surge management layer 34 such as nonwoven,(e.g., spunbond, meltblown or carded), woven, or knitted fibrous webscomposed of natural fibers and/or synthetic polymeric fibers. Suitablefibers include, for example, acrylic fibers, polyolefin fibers,polyester fibers, or blends thereof. The ventilation layer 32 may alsobe formed from a porous foam material such as an open-celled polyolefinfoam, a reticulated polyurethane foam, and the like. The ventilationlayer 32 may include a single layer of material or a composite of two ormore layers of material. In a particular embodiment, the ventilationlayer 32 includes a hydrophobic, nonwoven material having a thickness ofat least about 0.10 centimeters determined under a restraining pressureof 0.05 psi (0.34 kPa) and a basis weight of from about 20 to about 120grams per square meter. For example, the ventilation layer 32 maycomprise a bonded-carded-web, nonwoven fabric that includes bicomponentfibers and that defines an overall basis weight of about 83 grams persquare meter. The ventilation layer 32 in such a configuration can be ahomogeneous blend composed of about 60 weight percentpolyethylene/polyester (PE/PET), sheath-core bicomponent fibers thathave a fiber denier of about 3 d and about 40 weight percent singlecomponent polyester fibers that have a fiber denier of about 6 d andthat have fiber lengths of from about 3.8 to about 5.08 centimeters.

The ventilation layer 32 can be of any desired shape. Suitable shapesinclude for example, circular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal,oblong, dog-boned, hourglass-shaped, or oval. The ventilation layer 32may extend beyond, completely over or partially over the absorbent body24. For example, the ventilation layer 32 may suitably be located overthe intermediate section 16 of the diaper 10 and be substantiallycentered side-to-side with respect to the longitudinal centerline 36 ofthe diaper 10. It is generally desired that the entire absorbent body 24be overlaid with the ventilation layer 32 to prevent substantially allsurface to surface contact between the outer cover 20 and the absorbentbody 24. In the illustrated embodiments, the ventilation layer 32 iscoextensive with the absorbent body 24. This allows for the maximumdegree of air exchange with minimal dampness on the garment facingsurface of the outer cover 20.

In the illustrated embodiments, the ventilation layer 32 is arranged ina direct, contacting liquid communication with the absorbent body 24.The ventilation layer 32 may be operably connected to the outer cover 20with a conventional pattern of adhesive, such as a swirl adhesivepattern. In addition, the ventilation layer 32 may be operably connectedto the absorbent body 24 with a conventional pattern of adhesive. Theamount of adhesive add-on should be sufficient to provide the desiredlevels of bonding, but should be low enough to avoid excessivelyrestricting the movement of air and vapor from the absorbent body 24 andthrough the outer cover 20.

The ventilation layer 32 may further serve to quickly collect andtemporarily hold discharged liquids, which pass through the absorbentbody 24 and, in particular, through the zones of high air permeabilitywithin the absorbent body 24. The ventilation layer 32 may thentransport such liquids from the point of initial contact and spread theliquid to other parts of the ventilation layer 32, and thensubstantially completely release such liquids into the layer or layersof the absorbent body 24.

In order to maintain and enhance the barrier of the skin covered by thediaper 10, a composition is applied to the bodyfacing surface 11 of thebodyside liner 22 of the diaper 10. The composition generally caninclude hydrophilic solvent(s), high molecular weight polyethyleneglycol(s), fatty alcohol(s), emulsifying surfactant(s), natural fats oroils, sterols or sterol derivatives and emollient(s). The compositioncan optionally include one or more viscosity enhancers or rheologymodifiers. For example, the compositions of the invention may includefrom about 10 to about 90 percent by weight of one or more hydrophilicsolvents; from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of one or more highmolecular weight polyethylene glycols; from about 1 to about 30 percentby weight of one or more fatty alcohols; from about 1 to about 20percent by weight of one or more emulsifying surfactants; from about 0.1to about 30 percent by weight of one or more natural fats or oils; fromabout 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of one or more sterols or sterolderivatives; and from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of one ormore emollients. The composition may include other ingredients as well.Ranges are used to describe the relative amounts of components in thecompositions of the invention as well as to describe the relativephysical properties of the compositions. These ranges are illustrativeand one of skill in the art will recognize that the nature of thecomposition will dictate the various levels of components that must beused to achieve the intended benefit for the skin barrier. The levelscan be determined by routine experimentation in view of the disclosureprovided herein.

The compositions of the invention can be in a variety of physical formsincluding emulsions, lotions, creams, ointments, salves, suspensions,encapsulations, gels or hybrids of these forms.

The compositions of the invention can include one or more hydrophilicsolvents. The hydrophilic solvents provide the “backbone” for thehydrophilic characteristics of the compositions. The hydrophilicsolvents give the compositions their overall “hydrophilic” nature andprovide the attraction for water and other water-containing molecules.The hydrophilic solvents impart the ability of the entire composition toact as a carrier for bringing lipids into the skin barrier. Hydrophilicsolvents include, but are not limited to, water, propylene glycol, lowmolecular weight polyethylene glycols (molecular weights of less than720 and liquid at room temperature), methoxyisopropanol, PPG-2 propylether, PPG-2 butyl ether, PPG-2 methyl ether, PPG-3 methyl ether,dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether,dipropylene glycol, methyl propanediol, propylene carbonate, watersoluble/dispersible polypropylene glycols, ethoxylated polypropyleneglycol, glycerin, sorbitol solutions, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate,silicone glycols and mixtures of such compounds. The compositions caninclude from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight of one or morehydrophilic solvents. More specifically, the compositions can includefrom about 25 to about 75 percent by weight of hydrophilic solvents.Desirably, the compositions of the invention can include from about 30to about 60 percent by weight of hydrophilic solvents.

The compositions of the invention can also include one or more highmolecular weight polyethylene glycols. The high molecular weightpolyethylene glycols primarily function to provide the hydrophilicsolvents and any active ingredients in solid form at room temperature.The high molecular weight polyethylene glycols also contribute thecomposition having a penetration hardness of at least 5 mm. In additionto providing a solid medium for the solvent, and reducing its tendencyto migrate, the high molecular weight polyethylene glycols provide atackiness to the hydrophilic lotion composition that improves transferto the skin of the wearer. As used herein, suitable high molecularweight polyethylene glycols include, but are not limited to, thefollowing materials: polyethylene glycols having an average molecularweight of 720 daltons or greater and mixtures of such glycols. Thesematerials are not liquid at room temperature. Particularly suitable highmolecular weight polyethylene glycols can have an average molecularweight of from 720 to about 1,840,000 daltons, more specifically fromabout 1400 to about 440,000 daltons, and still more specifically fromabout 1760 to about 10,570 daltons. The compositions of the inventioninclude from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of one or more highmolecular weight polyethylene glycols. More specifically, thecompositions can include from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight ofhigh molecular weight polyethylene glycols. Desirably, the compositionsof the invention can include from about 15 to about 25 percent by weightof high molecular weight polyethylene glycols.

The compositions of the invention further include one or more fattyalcohols. The fatty alcohols, combined with the high molecular weightpolyethylene glycols, provide the solid form for the compositions atroom temperature. The fatty alcohols also contribute to the compositionhaving a penetration hardness of at least 5 mm. The fatty alcoholscontribute to the solid nature of the compositions and, thereby, assistin maintaining and stabilizing the compositions on the bodyfacingsurface 11 of the bodyside liner 22. Suitable fatty alcohols include,but are not limited to, the following materials: alcohols having acarbon chain length of C₁₄-C₃₀ or greater, including cetyl alcohol,stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and mixturesthereof. The compositions of the invention include from about 1 to about30 percent by weight of one or more fatty alcohols. More specifically,the compositions can include from about 10 to about 25 percent by weightof fatty alcohols. Desirably, the compositions of the invention caninclude from about 15 to about 20 percent by weight of fatty alcohols.

The compositions of the invention also include one or more emulsifyingsurfactants, including oil-in-water emulsifying surfactants. Thesurfactants provide for the incorporation of lipid (fats, oils, sterolsand sterol derivatives, etc.) and other (emollient) components of thecomposition into the hydrophilic solvent(s). By emulsifying the lipidand other components into the hydrophilic solvent(s), the surfactantscontribute to the delivery of the lipids and other beneficial compoundsto the skin barrier. Emulsifying surfactants are employed typically incosmetic preparations to form emulsions of various components. Theimmiscible phase, such as an oil, is dispersed as droplets in thecontinuous phase, such as water or in this case the hydrophilic solvent.Suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to, Emulsifying WaxNF, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycol Stearate, GlycolStearate SE, Glycereth-20 Stearate, Glyceryl Behenate, GlycerylHydroxystearate, Glyceryl Laurate SE, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl OleateSE, Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol Oleate SE, PropyleneGlycol Stearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate SE, Sorbitan Stearate,Sorbitan Trioleate, water dispersible metal soaps (Sodium Stearate),Behenyl Dimethicone Copolymers, Lauryl Methicone Copolymers, CetylMethicone Compolymers, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolymers, Stearyl DimethiconeCopolymers, Dimethicone Copolymers and mixtures thereof. The surfactantsof the composition may also be characterized as having a combined HLB ina range greater than 7. Therefore, one or more surfactants can beselected for use in the composition and their combined HLB would be in arange greater than 7. The compositions of the invention include fromabout 1 to about 20 percent by weight of one or more emulsifyingsurfactants having a combined HLB in a range greater than 7. Morespecifically, the compositions can include from about 2 to about 15percent by weight of surfactants. Desirably, the compositions of theinvention can include from about 3 to about 10 percent by weight ofsurfactants.

The compositions of the invention can also include fats and oils thatprovide a source of essential and non-essential fatty acids similar tothose found in the skin's natural barrier. Fats and oils includecompounds that are fats, oils, essential oils, fatty acids, fattyalcohols, phospholipids and mixtures of such compounds. Fats and oilsinclude oils derived from plant and animal sources. Similarly, theessential oils include essential oils derived from plant sources. Thoseof skill in the art would understand that all compounds commonlyunderstood to have the structure of or to function as fats, oils,essential oils, fatty acids, fatty alcohols and phospholipids can beused as the natural fat or oil component of the composition of theinvention. While an exhaustive list of each and every fat and oil thatcould be used in the compositions of the invention is not provided,those of skill in the art will understand and appreciate the individualcompounds that can serve as a fat or oil component of the compositionsof the invention.

Representative examples of fats and oils include, but are not limitedto: Avocado Oil, Apricot Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Oil, Camellia Oil,Canola Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Corn Oil, Cottonseed Oil, EveningPrimrose Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil,Maleated Soybean Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Peanut Oil,Rapeseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Sphingolipids, Sweet Almond Oil, Tall Oil,Lanolin, Lanolin Alcohol, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid,Linoleic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol,Benenyl Alcohol, Rose Hip Oil, Calendula Oil, Chamomile Oil, EucalyptusOil, Juniper Oil, Sandlewood Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Sunflower Oil, andSoybean Oil. Another suitable fat/oil for the compositions of theinvention is PROLIPID 141 blend available from International SpecialtyProducts of Wayne, N.J. The PROLIPID 141 blend is a mixture of glycerylstearate, fatty acids, fatty alcohols and phospholipids.

In order to assist in replenishing skin barrier enhancing agents, thecompositions of the invention may include fats and oils in an amount offrom about 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight, desirably from about 0.5to about 25 percent by weight, and more desirably from about 1 to about20 percent by weight of the composition.

The compositions of the invention also include sterols and sterolderivatives that act in combination with the natural fats/oils toprovide natural skin barrier enhancement and skin barrier recovery.Sterols and sterol derivatives that can be used in the compositions ofthe invention include, but are not limited to: β-sterols having a tailon the 17 position and having no polar groups for example, cholesterol,sitosterol, stigmasterol, and ergosterol, as well as, C₁₀-C₃₀cholesterol/lanosterol esters, cholecalciferol, cholesterylhydroxystearate, cholesteryl isostearate, cholesteryl stearate,7-dehydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesteryloctyldecanoate, dihydrolanosterol, dihydrolanosteryl octyldecanoate,ergocalciferol, tall oil sterol, soy sterol acetate, lanasterol, soysterol, avocado sterols, “AVOCADIN” (trade name of Croda Ltd. ofParsippany, N.J.), sterol esters, and similar compounds, as well asmixtures thereof. The compositions of the invention can include sterols,sterol derivatives or mixtures of both sterols and sterol derivatives inan amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight, desirablyfrom about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight and more desirably fromabout 0.8 to about 3 percent by weight of the composition.

To provide improved stability and transfer to the skin of the wearer,the compositions may include one or more emollients. The emollients ofthe compositions act as lubricants to reduce the abrasiveness of thebodyside liner 22 to the skin and, upon transfer to the skin, help tomaintain the soft, smooth and pliable appearance of the skin. Thecompositions of the invention can include from about 0.1 to about 10percent by weight of one or more emollients. More specifically, thecompositions include from about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight ofemollient(s). Even more specifically, the compositions include fromabout 1 to about 5 percent by weight of emollient(s). Suitableemollients include petroleum based oils, petrolatum, vegetable oils,mineral oils, alkyl dimethicones, alkyl methicones, alkyldimethiconecopolyols, phenyl silicones, alkyl trimethylsilanes, dimethicone,lanolin and its derivatives, fatty esters, glycerol esters and theirderivatives, propylene glycol esters and their derivatives, alkoxylatedcarboxylic acids, alkoxylated alcohols, fatty alcohols and mixtures ofsuch compounds.

The compositions of the invention can include the emollient and skinprotectant, dimethicone. The dimethicone can be blended with the othercomponents of the composition through the addition of water-basedemulsions containing dimethicone such as emulsions having the tradedesignations “Dow Corning 1669 Emulsion” and “Dow Corning 1664 Emulsion”available from Dow Corning of Midland, Mich. The dimethicone can also beblended using a microencapsulated dimethicone such as are available fromLipo Technologies of Dayton, Ohio or from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. Thedimethicone can also be added to the compositions of the invention inthe form of an entrapped dimethicone. Dimethicone can be entrapped in“Polytrap” or “Microsponges” as are available from Advanced PolymerSystems of San Francisco, Calif. The dimethicone can also beincorporated in the form of a dimethicone treated powder such asdimethicone-treated talc or dimethicone-treated zinc oxide as areavailable from KOBO of South Plainfield, N.J.

The water-based emulsions containing dimethicone can be included in thecomposition in an amount of from about 2 to about 10 percent by weight.The microencapsulated dimethicone can be added to the composition in anamount of from about 4 to about 20 percent by weight. Forms of entrappeddimethicone can be added to the composition in amounts of from about 2to about 20 percent by weight. The dimethicone treated powders can beadded in amounts of from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight.

Compositions of the invention in which dimethicone and similar siloxanecompounds are used as emollients provide a beneficial skin protectingeffect. However, dimethicone and the other siloxane compounds require asurfactant in order to disperse them into the hydrophilic solvent of thecompositions. The siloxane compounds can be introduced into thecomposition in at least two different ways. The first approach involvesdispersing the siloxane in the lipid components of the compositionbefore they are blended with the hydrophilic components. The siloxanecan be dispersed either by itself or using an emollient ester into ablend of the lipid (fats/oil, sterols, etc.) components of thecomposition. A surfactant mixture having an HLB greater than 7 is thenadded to the lipid/siloxane components before they are combined with thehydrophilic components. The second approach involves emulsifying thesiloxane into a mixture of the hydrophilic components using a suitableblend of surfactants (either all organic surfactants, alkyl siliconecopolymers or a blend of organic surfactants and alkyl siliconecopolymers) having an HLB greater than 7. The siloxane is blended withthe surfactants and then the siloxane/surfactant mixture is added to thehydrophilic components.

Contrary to the need for surfactants to incorporate siloxane compounds,dimethicone in other forms does not require a surfactant. Thedimethicone emulsions, encapsulated dimethicone, entrapped dimethiconeand dimethicone-treated powders can all be dispersed into thecompositions of the invention after all of the other components havebeen blended.

Optionally, the compositions of the invention may include from about 1percent by weight to about 20 percent by weight of one or more viscosityenhancers or rheology modifiers. The viscosity enhancers and rheologymodifiers can be added to increase the melt point viscosity of thecompositions. Increasing the melt point viscosity gives better stabilityof the compositions on the bodyfacing materials of the articles. Theviscosity enhancers and rheology modifiers also improve the stability ofthe composition at a “hot box car” stability temperature of about 130°F. (54.5° C.). Suitable viscosity enhancers can include, but are notlimited to, Actrylamides Copolymers, Agar, Gelatin, Water-DispersableMetal Soaps, Butoxy Chitosan, Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CalciumAlginate, Carbomer, Carboxybutyl Chitosan, Carboxymethyl Chitosan,Carboxymethyl Dextran, Carboxymethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, CelluloseGum, DMAPA Acrylates/Acrylic Acid/Acrylonitrogens, Hectorite, HydratedSilica, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Guar, HydroxypropylMethylcellulose, Isobutylene/Sodium Maleate Copolymer, Kelp, LithiumMagnesium Silicate, Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate,Magnesium/Aluminum/Hydroxide/Carbonate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate,Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Trisilicate, Methoxy PEG-22/Dodecyl GlycolCopolymer, Methyl Cellulose, Methyl Hydroxyethylcellulose,Microcrystalline Cellulose, Montmorillonite, NonoxynolHydroxyethylcellulose, PEG Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate-3, PolyacrylicAcid, Polyethylene/isopropyl Maleate Copolymer, Polymethacrylic Acid,Polyvinyl Alcohol, PVP/Decene Copolymer, PVP Montmorillonite, SodiumAcrylates Copolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer, SodiumAcrylates/Vinyl Isodecanate Crosspolymer, Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch,Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium Polyacrylate, TEAAlginate, TEA Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Polysaccharides and mixturesthereof.

If it is desired that the composition provide a treatment for the skin,the composition can also include an active ingredient such as a diaperrash skin protectant. Skin protectants are drug products that protectinjured or exposed skin or mucous membrane surface from harmful orannoying stimuli. Suitable active ingredients, in addition to thosementioned above as suitable emollients, that can be incorporated intothe composition include, but are not limited to, allantoin and itsderivatives, aluminum hydroxide gel, calamine, cocoa butter,dimethicone, cod liver oil, kaolin and its derivatives, lanolin and itsderivatives, mineral oil, petrolatum, shark liver oil, talc, topicalstarch, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide and mixtures thereof.The composition may include from about 0.10 to about 95 percent byweight of the active ingredient depending upon the skin protectant, theamount desired to be transferred to the skin and the amount required ina particular FDA skin protectant monograph.

In order to better enhance the benefits to the wearer, additionalingredients can be included in the compositions of the presentinvention. For example, the classes of ingredients that may be used andtheir corresponding benefits include, without limitation: antifoamingagents (reduce the tendency of foaming during processing); antimicrobialactives; antifungal actives; antiseptic actives; antioxidants (productintegrity); antioxidants-cosmetic (reduce oxidation);astringents-cosmetic (induce a tightening or tingling sensation onskin); astringent-drug (a drug product that checks oozing, discharge, orbleeding when applied to skin or mucous membrane and works bycoagulating protein); biological additives (enhance the performance orconsumer appeal of the product); colorants (impart color to theproduct); deodorants (reduce or eliminate unpleasant odor and protectagainst the formation of malodor on body surfaces); other emollients(help to maintain the soft, smooth, and pliable appearance of the skinby their ability to remain on the skin surface or in the stratum corneumto act as lubricants, to reduce flaking, and to improve the skin'sappearance); external analgesics (a topically applied drug that has atopical analgesic, anesthetic, or antipruritic effect by depressingcutaneous sensory receptors, or that has a topical counterirritanteffect by stimulating cutaneous sensory receptors); film formers (tohold active ingredients on the skin by producing a continuous film onskin upon drying); fragrances (consumer appeal);silicones/organomodified silicones (protection, tissue water resistance,lubricity, tissue softness); oils (mineral, vegetable, and animal);natural moisturizing agents (NMF) and other skin moisturizingingredients known in the art; opacifiers (reduce the clarity ortransparent appearance of the product); powders (enhance lubricity, oiladsorption, provide skin protection, astringency, opacity, etc.); skinconditioning agents; solvents (liquids employed to dissolve componentsfound useful in the cosmetics or drugs); and surfactants (as cleansingagents, emulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, and suspending agents).

An important property of the compositions of the different aspects ofthe present invention is their ability to remain on the surface of thebodyside liner 22 and their resistance to migration into the diaper 10such that they can readily be transferred to the wearer's skin. In thisregard, the articles having the compositions of the present inventionapplied to their bodyside liner 22 define a z-direction migration lossof no more than about 55%, desirably no more than about 50%, moredesirably no more than about 45%, even more desirably no more than about40% and yet even more desirably no more than about 35% when subjected tothe Z-Direction Lotion Migration Test set forth below. In articles thathave a greater z-direction migration loss, the composition undesirablymigrates into the interior and along the surface of the bodyside liner22 and at times through the bodyside liner 22 into the absorbent body 24of the article which results in a lower reduction in abrasion and lesstransfer to the skin of the wearer.

Another important measure of the compositions of the different aspectsof the present invention is their ability to resist migration laterallyalong the surface of the bodyside liner 22. In this regard, the articleshaving the compositions of the present invention applied to the bodysideliner 22 define a cd-direction migration loss of no more than about 40%,desirably no more than about 35%, more desirably no more than about 30%,even more desirably no more than about 25% and yet even more desirablyno more than about 20% when subjected to the CD-Direction LotionMigration Test set forth below. In articles which have a greatercd-direction migration loss, the composition undesirably migrates alongthe surface of the bodyside liner 22 and at times through the bodysideliner 22 into the absorbent body 24 of the article which results in alower reduction in abrasion and less transfer to the skin of the wearer.

Moreover, to provide the improved stability and transfer to the skin ofthe wearer, the compositions of the present invention may define amelting point of from about 32° C. to about 100° C., desirably fromabout 35° C. to about 80° C., and more desirably from about 40° C. toabout 75° C. Compositions that have lower melting points exhibitmigration of the composition during use and at elevated temperatures instorage that can undesirably result in reduced transfer to the skin.Whereas, compositions that have higher melting points may require thatthe composition be at a temperature above the flash point of thebodyside liner 22 material which can undesirably lead to fires. Themelting points of the compositions of the invention cause thecompositions to be relatively immobile and localized on the bodyfacingsurface 11 of the diaper 10 at room temperature and readily transferableto the skin of the wearer at body temperatures. However, thecompositions of the invention are not completely liquid under extremestorage conditions. Stability in a solid state at elevated temperaturesis made possible, in part, by the melting point and the rheologyprovided by the high molecular weight polyethylene glycol and theaddition of viscosity enhancers/rheology modifiers, if needed, in thecomposition. Desirably, the compositions are easily transferable to theskin by way of normal contact, wearer motion, adhesion or body heat.When the compositions are relatively immobilized at room temperature, alesser quantity of composition is required on the bodyfacing surface 11to provide a beneficial effect.

The composition of the present invention may further define a “hot boxcar” stability viscosity of from about 200 to about 1,000,000centipoise, desirably from about 50,000 to about 800,000 centipoise, andmore desirably from about 100,000 to about 500,000 centipoise forreduced migration and improved transfer to the skin of the wearer.Compositions that have lower melt point viscosities exhibit migration ofthe composition through the bodyside liner 22 into the absorbent body 24of the article which can undesirably result in reduced transfer to theskin. Whereas, compositions that have higher melt point viscosities maybe so solid as to also exhibit a reduced transfer to the skin.

Further, to provide the improved stability and transfer to the skin ofthe wearer, the composition of the present invention may also define aviscosity of from about 50 to about 10,000 centipoise, desirably fromabout 100 to about 500 centipoise, and more desirably from about 150 toabout 250 centipoise at a temperature of 60° C. The compositions of theinvention can have a process viscosity of 100 centipoise or less undershear or pressure.

The penetration hardness of the compositions of this invention can befrom about 5 to about 365 millimeters, more desirably from about 10 toabout 300 millimeters, more desirably from about 20 to about 200millimeters, and still more desirably from about 40 to about 120millimeters. (Compositions having a needle penetration hardness greaterthan 365 millimeters cannot be measured using ASTM method D 1321). Thehardness of the compositions of this invention is important for tworeasons. First, the softer the formulation the more mobile theformulation will be, making the formulation more likely to migrate tothe inner plies of the diaper 10, which is not desirable. Secondly,softer compositions tend to be more greasy/oily to the touch, which isalso less desirable. In general, compositions having a needlepenetration hardness of from about 200 to about 365 millimeters feelcreamy to slightly greasy with less smoothness (depending on additives).Compositions that have needle penetration hardness values of from about5 to about 200 millimeters feel silky to creamy and very smooth(depending on additives).

The composition may be applied to the entire bodyfacing surface 11 ofthe bodyside liner 22 or may be selectively applied to particularsections of the bodyfacing surface 11, such as the medial section alongthe longitudinal centerline of the diaper 10, to provide greaterlubricity of such sections and to transfer such composition to thewearer's skin. Alternatively, the bodyfacing surface 11 of the bodysideliner 22 may include multiple stripes of the composition applied theretoas illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the bodyfacing surface 11 of thebodyside liner 22 may include from 1 to 20 stripes 54 of compositionextending along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 10. The stripes54 may extend the full length of the bodyside liner 22 or only a portionthereof. The stripes 54 may also define a width of from about 0.2 toabout 1 centimeters.

The composition should cover a sufficient amount of the bodyfacingsurface 11 of the bodyside liner 22 to ensure adequate transfer to theskin and reduced abrasion between the bodyside liner 22 and the wearer'sskin. Desirably, the composition is applied to at least about 5 percentand more desirably at least about 25 percent of the bodyfacing surface11 of the bodyside liner 22.

The composition can be applied to the bodyside liner 22 at any add-onlevel that provides the desired transfer benefit. For example, the totaladd-on level of the composition can be from about 0.05 to about 100mg/cm², desirably from about 1 to about 50 mg/cm² and more desirablyfrom about 10 to about 40 mg/cm² for improved performance. The add-onamount will depend upon the desired effect of the composition on theskin barrier function and the specific composition. As discussed above,the improved stability and reduced tendency to migrate of thecompositions of the present invention allows a lesser amount ofcomposition to be applied to the bodyside liner 22 to achieve the samebenefit when compared with conventional compositions.

The composition may be applied to the bodyside liner 22 in any of manywell known manners. A preferred method to uniformly apply thecomposition to the bodyfacing surface 11 of the bodyside liner 22 isspraying or slot coating. Spraying or slot coating the composition isthe most exact process and offers maximum control of the compositiondistribution and transfer rate. However, other methods, such asroto-gravure or flexographic printing and foam application can be used.The compositions of the present invention can be applied after thebodyfacing material has been incorporated into the absorbent article orprior to incorporating the body facing material into the absorbentarticle.

The composition may be applied to the bodyside liner 22 by (a) heatingthe composition to a temperature above the melting point of thecomposition, causing the composition to melt, (b) uniformly applying themelted composition to the bodyfacing surface 11 of the bodyside liner22; and (c) resolidifying the composition applied to the bodyfacingsurface 11. Desirably, resolidification of the composition occurs almostinstantaneously, without the need for external cooling devices such aschill rolls. This can occur if the composition is heated to atemperature only slightly above or at the melting point of thecomposition. However, external cooling devices such as chill rolls,either before or after the application of melt, can be used if desiredto accelerate resolidification. Other cooling methods such as coolingtunnels could also be used. After resolidification, the compositiontypically has a static viscosity of greater than about 200 centipoise.Further, the composition can have a penetration hardness of from about 5to about 365 millimeters at 25° C.

The increased viscosity of the composition at the process temperatureand the instantaneous resolidification tends to impede penetration ofthe composition into the bodyside liner 22 and absorbent body 24 of thediaper 10 and retain it on the bodyfacing surface 11 of the bodysideliner 22, which is advantageous. For example, the temperature of themelted composition can advantageously be less than about 10° C., moredesirably less than about 5° C., and still more desirably less thanabout 2° C. above the melting point of the composition prior to applyingit to the bodyside liner 22 for reduced migration. As the temperature ofthe melted composition approaches the melting point of the composition,the viscosity of the melted composition generally increases, whichfurther enhances the tendency of the melted composition to be retainedon the bodyfacing surface 11.

In an example of the method of the invention, the hydrophilic solventphase is prepared first. First, the hydrophilic solvent is heated to atemperature of from about 2 to about 5° C. above the melting point ofthe high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the fatty alcoholsthat have been selected for use in the composition to be applied to thebodyfacing surface 11. Next, the high molecular weight polyethyleneglycol and fatty alcohol components are added to the hydrophilic solventand the mixture is agitated until melted. Other hydrophilic componentsand, if desired, the viscosity enhancer/rheology modifier component areadded and the mixture is agitated until it is uniform or all of thecomponents are dispersed. The mixture is cooled to a temperature ofabout 5° C. above the freezing point of the composition. Separately, thenatural fat/oil component is heated to about 90° C. and the sterolcomponent is added. The lipid blend is mixed until melted. The emollientcomponent, including dimethicone, if desired, is then added to the lipidblend. The lipid blend is then cooled to a temperature of about 5° C.above the freezing point of the composition and the emulsifyingsurfactants are added. The lipid blend is then mixed until it isuniform. With good agitation, the lipid blend is then added to thehydrophilic solvent mixture. High shear may be necessary to finelydisperse the lipid blend and high shear will also reduce the particlesize of the emulsion droplets. The composition can then be applied tothe bodyfacing surface 11 of the bodyside liner 22 of the article.

The present invention is also directed to an absorbent article, such asa diaper 10, that includes an outer cover 20, a liquid permeablebodyside liner 22, an absorbent body 24 and a composition. The bodysideliner 22 defines a bodyfacing surface 11. As already described herein,the bodyfacing surface 11 is that portion of the article that comes intocontact with the skin of the wearer or user of the article. When thearticle is a diaper 10, the bodyfacing surface 11 typically is primarilythe bodyside liner 22, but the bodyfacing surface 11 can also includewaist and leg elastics 26, 28, containment flaps and fasteners 30. Whenthe article is a primarily two-dimensional substrate such as a tissue orwet wipe, the entire surface area of the tissue or wet wipe is thebodyfacing surface 11 as any portion of such articles may contact theuser's skin.

The bodyside liner 22 is in superposed relation to the outer cover 20.The absorbent body 24 is located between the bodyside liner 22 and theouter cover 20. At least a portion of the bodyfacing surface 11 of thebodyside liner 22 has a composition on it. The composition includes fromabout 25 to about 75 percent by weight of hydrophilic solvent. Thehydrophilic solvent can be selected from water, propylene glycol, lowmolecular weight polyethylene glycols (molecular weights of less than720 and liquid at room temperature), water soluble/dispersiblepolypropylene glycols, ethoxylated polypropylene glycol, glycerin,sorbitol solutions, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, silicone glycolsand mixtures of such compounds. The composition also includes from about10 to about 50 percent by weight of high molecular weight polyethyleneglycol having a molecular weight of at least about 720 daltons. Thecomposition includes from about 10 to about 25 percent by weight of C₁₄to C₃₀ or greater fatty alcohol. The composition also includes fromabout 2 to about 15 percent by weight of emulsifying surfactant having acombined HLB in a range greater than 7. The emulsifying surfactant canbe selected from Emulsifying Wax NF, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycol Stearate,Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Hydroxystearate, Glyceryl Laurate SE,Glyceryl Oleate, Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol Stearate,Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan Trioleate, water dispersible metal soaps(Sodium Stearate), Behenyl Dimethicone Copolymers, Lauryl MethiconeCopolymers, Cetyl Methicone Compolymers, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolymers,Stearyl Dimethicone Copolymers, Dimethicone Copolymers and mixturesthereof. The composition includes from about 0.5 to about 25 percent byweight of natural fats or oils. The natural fats and oils can beselected from avocado oil, borage oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, cornoil, cottonseed oil, sweet almond oil and mixtures of these compounds.The composition also includes from about 0.5 to about 5 percent byweight of sterols or sterol derivatives. The sterols and sterolderivatives can be selected from cholesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol,tall oil sterol, soy sterol and mixtures of these compounds.Additionally, the composition includes from about 0.1 to about 10percent by weight of one or more emollients. The emollients can beselected from petroleum based oils, petrolatum, vegetable oils, mineraloils, alkyl dimethicones, alkyl methicones, alkyldimethicone copolyols,phenyl silicones, alkyl trimethylsilanes, dimethicone, lanolin and itsderivatives, fatty esters, alkoxylated alcohols, fatty alcohols andmixtures of these compounds. Optionally, the composition can alsoinclude from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of one or moreviscosity enhancers or rheology modifiers.

The composition has physical properties that are suitable to provide arelative degree of immobilization on the bodyfacing surface 11 at roomtemperature and to provide sufficient fluid or transfer properties atbody temperature so that the composition can migrate to the skin.Typically, the composition has a melting point of from about 32° C. toabout 100° C. and a viscosity of from about 10 to about 10,000centipoise at a temperature of 60° C. The composition may also have apenetration hardness of from about 5 millimeters to about 365millimeters at 25° C. The composition is typically present on thebodyfacing surface 11 in an amount of from about 0.1 g/m² to about 30g/m². The composition applied to the bodyfacing surface 11 may haveadditional ingredients added to it in order to provide additionalbenefits or to enhance the functionality and processability of thecomposition.

The present invention is also directed to a method of applying acomposition to a bodyfacing surface 11 of a bodyside liner 22 of anabsorbent article. The method includes a step of heating a compositionto a temperature above the melting point of the composition. Thecomposition generally enhances the skin barrier function and can includea hydrophilic solvent, high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, fattyalcohol, oil-in-water emulsifying surfactant or surfactant combination,natural fat or oil, a sterol or sterol derivative and an emollient. Thecomposition can optionally include one or more viscosity enhancers orrheology modifiers. The melting point of the composition is from about32° C. to about 100° C. The method also includes a step of applying thecomposition to the bodyfacing surface 11 of a bodyside liner 22 of anabsorbent article. The method further includes a step of resolidifyingthe composition. The composition can be applied to the bodyfacingsurface 11 using any of the techniques already describe herein such asfoam application, spraying, slot coating and printing. The compositioncan be resolidified using devices that are commonly used for cooling,such as chill rolls and cooling tunnels, or the composition can beresolidified by selecting a combination of ingredients that puts themelting point close to the processing temperature. When the meltingpoint of the composition is close to the processing temperature, thecomposition should quickly resolidify after application to thebodyfacing surface 11. Typically, the composition has a static viscosityof greater than about 200 centipoise after resolidification. Further,the composition has a penetration hardness of from about 5 to about 365millimeters at 25° C.

The present invention is further directed to a method for enhancing thebarrier function of the skin. The method includes a step of contacting askin surface of a user of an absorbent article with a bodyfacing surface11 of a bodyside liner material. The method could also include a step ofcontacting the skin surface of a user of a tissue or wet wipe articlewith the outer surface of the material from which the tissue or wet wipeis constructed. The bodyfacing surface 11 or outer surface has acomposition on it. The composition can include a hydrophilic solvent, ahigh molecular weight polyethylene glycol, a fatty alcohol, anoil-in-water emulsifying surfactant or other surfactant, a natural fator oil, a sterol or sterol derivative and an emollient. The compositioncan also include one or more viscosity enhancers/rheology modifiers. Therelative amounts and combinations of composition components can bevaried. The method of the invention also includes a step of maintainingthe bodyfacing surface 11 in contact with the skin surface of the userfor a sufficient amount of time to transfer the composition to the skinsurface. The amount of time is related to the nature of the compositionand its physical properties; different compositions will transfer to askin surface at different rates. The method further includes a step ofrepeating the maintaining step for a sufficient period of time toevidence enhancement of skin barrier function. Therefore, the methodincludes repeating the contact of the skin surface with the bodyfacingsurface 11 of the liner material.

As suggested by the compositions already described herein, thecomposition applied to the bodyfacing surface 11 can include from about10 to about 90 percent by weight of hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 toabout 95 percent by weight of high molecular weight polyethylene glycol,from about 1 to about 30 percent by weight of a fatty alcohol, fromabout 1 to about 20 percent by weight of emulsifying surfactant, fromabout 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight of one or more natural fats andoils, from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of one or moresterols or sterol derivatives and from about 0.1 to about percent byweight of one or more emollients. If desired, the composition caninclude from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of one or moreviscosity enhancers/rheology modifiers. Examples of suitable hydrophilicsolvents, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols,emulsifying surfactants, fats and oils, sterols and sterol derivatives,emollients and viscosity enhancers/rheology modifiers are as describedherein.

The descriptions of the articles and compositions of the inventionprovided herein have included references to various tests for assessingthe attributes or properties of the components of the articles andcompositions as well as the articles and compositions in theirentireties. Descriptions of the test procedures used to make thoseassessments are now provided. cl Hydrostatic Pressure Test

The Hydrostatic Pressure Test is a measure of the liquid barrierproperties of a material. In general, the Hydrostatic Pressure Testdetermines the height of water (in centimeters) in a column that thematerial will support before a predetermined amount of water passesthrough. A material with a higher hydrohead value indicates it is agreater barrier to liquid penetration than a material having a lowerhydrohead value. The Hydrostatic Pressure Test is performed according toMethod 5514—Federal Test Methods Standard No. 191A.

Frazier Porosity Test

The Frazier Porosity values referred to in the present specification canbe determined employing a Frazier Air Permeability Tester (FrazierPrecision Instrument Co., Gaithersburg, Md.) and Method 5450, FederalTest Methods Standard No. 191A. For the purposes of the presentinvention, the test is conducted with a sample that measures 8 inches×8inches.

Water Vapor Transmission Test

A suitable technique for determining the WVTR (water vapor transmissionrate) value of a material is as follows. For the purposes of the presentinvention, 3-inch diameter (76 millimeter) circular samples are cut fromthe test material and from a control material, CELGUARD 2500 material(Hoechst Celanese Corporation). Two or three samples are prepared foreach material. Test cups used for testing are cast aluminum, flanged, 2inches deep and come with a mechanical seal and neoprene gasket. Thecups are distributed by Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia,Pa., under the designation “Vapometer cup #681”. One hundred millilitersof distilled water are poured into each Vapometer cup, and each of theindividual samples of the test materials and control material are placedacross the open top area of an individual cup. Screw-on flanges aretightened to form a seal along the edges of the cups leaving theassociated test material or control material exposed to the ambientatmosphere over a 62 millimeter diameter circular area (an open, exposedarea of about 30 cm²). The cups are then weighed, placed on a tray, andset in a forced air oven set at 100° F. (38° C.). The oven is a constanttemperature oven with external air circulating through it to preventwater vapor accumulation inside. A suitable forced air oven is, forexample, a Blue M Power-O-Matic 60 oven distributed by Blue M ElectricCo. of Blue Island, Ill. After 24 hours, the cups are removed from theoven and weighed. The preliminary, test WVTR value is calculated asfollows:${{Test}\quad {WVTR}} = {\frac{\left\lbrack {\left( {{grams}\quad {weight}\quad {loss}\quad {over}\quad 24\quad {hours}} \right) \times 7571} \right\rbrack}{24}\quad \left( {g\text{/}m^{2}\text{/}24\quad {hours}} \right)}$

The relative humidity within the oven is not specifically controlled.Under predetermined set conditions of 100° F. and ambient relativehumidity, the WVTR for CELGUARD 2500 materials has been determined to be5000 g/m²/24 hours. Accordingly, CELGUARD 2500 material is run as acontrol sample with each test. CELGUARD 2500 material is a 0.0025 cmthick film composed of a microporous polypropylene.

Z-Direction Composition Migration Test

This test determines the quantity of composition that remains on thetarget area of the bodyfacing surface of an absorbent article after agiven period of time at a given temperature. Specifically, the purposeof the test is to compare the amount of composition present in thetarget zone on articles stored at a lower temperature with that presenton articles stored at a higher temperature. The test simulates storageat elevated temperature conditions to which absorbent articles may besubjected. For example, such articles may be stored in the trunk of avehicle or in a warehouse in a warm climate such as in a warehouse inArizona in July or August. The z-direction migration loss is a measureof the composition migration after storage at 130° F. when compared tothe composition migration at 73° F. after a fixed period of time. Thus,this test predicts the amount of composition that will be available onthe bodyfacing surface of the article for transfer to the skin when thearticle is used as well as how quickly it will undesirably migrate awayfrom or along the bodyfacing surface of the article in use.

Specifically, the test is conducted as follows:

1. Ten (10) products having a composition applied to the topsheet orbodyside liner are obtained.

2. Five (5) products are placed in a controlled environment at atemperature of 73° F. and a relative humidity of 50% for a fixed periodof time such as, for example, 28 days. The other five (5) products areplaced in a controlled environment at a temperature of 130° F. andambient humidity for the same period of time.

3. The products are removed from the controlled environment and a sampleof the bodyside liner having a width of 3.75 inches and a length of 13inches is removed from the center of each product.

4. The samples are then subjected to Soxhlet Extraction with GravimetricAnalysis (SEGA) as follows. The test apparatus includes a reboiler,chloroform vapor duct, cold water condenser, holding tank where thesamples are placed and a chloroform recycle duct. The components of thetest apparatus are conventional glassware well known to those skilled inthe art. For example, the reboiler may include a 250 ml round bottomflask and the vapor duct can include an 85 ml soxhlet. A sample isplaced in the holding tank and subjected to chloroform washing cyclesfor 2.5 hours. One hundred twenty-five milliliters of liquid chloroformis placed in the reboiler. The chloroform vaporizes and rises up throughthe vapor duct into the condenser having tap water therein that, inturn, causes the chloroform to liquefy and fall into the holding tankwith the sample. The chloroform dissolves the composition from the linersample. When the liquid chloroform reaches a high enough level, therecycle duct returns the chloroform/composition mixture to the reboiler.The temperature in the reboiler is controlled such that it is above theboiling point of the chloroform but below that of the composition suchthat only the chloroform vaporizes to start the process over again. Onecomplete wash cycle takes approximately minutes with about 75milliliters of chloroform circulating through the liner sample in eachcycle. Upon completion, the chloroform in the evaporator is evaporatedutilizing a conventional vacuum evaporator such as a rotovapcommercially available under the model number Buchi 011 RE 121 for aperiod of 4 minutes followed by placing the composition in an aluminumpan and heating on a hot plate with forced air circulation for anadditional 30 minutes.

5. The residue (composition) remaining for each sample is then weighed.The amount of composition recovered from the products stored at 73° F.is then compared to the amount of composition recovered from theproducts stored at 130° F. to determine the stability of the compositionformulation at high temperature.

The z-direction migration loss of the absorbent article is thendetermined as follows:

Z-direction migration loss (%)=[(L ₇₃ −L ₁₃₀)/L ₇₃]×100

wherein,

L₇₃=average weight (g) of composition recovered per sample stored at 73°F.

L₁₃₀=average weight (g) of composition recovered per sample stored at130° F.

CD-Direction Composition Migration Test

This test determines the quantity of composition that remains on thespecific location where it is applied on the bodyfacing surface of anabsorbent article after a given period of time at a given temperature.Specifically, the purpose of the test is to compare the amount ofcomposition present in the applied location on the topsheet or bodysideliner with that present on the remaining portions of the bodyside linersof the articles after being stored at an elevated temperature. The testsimulates storage at elevated temperature conditions to which absorbentarticles may be subjected. For example, such articles may be stored inthe trunk of a vehicle or in a warehouse in a warm climate such as in awarehouse in Arizona in July or August. The cd-direction migration lossis a measure of the lateral composition migration along the bodyfacingsurface of the article after storage at 130° F. after a fixed period oftime. Thus, this test predicts the amount of composition that will beavailable in the desired location on the bodyfacing surface of thearticle for transfer to the skin when the article is used as well as howquickly it will undesirably migrate away from or along the bodyfacingsurface of the article in use.

Specifically, the test is conducted as follows:

1. Five (5) products having a composition applied to the bodyside linerin a specific pattern are obtained.

2. The products are placed in a controlled environment at a temperatureof 130° F. and ambient humidity for a fixed period of time such as, forexample, 28 days.

3. The products are removed from the controlled environment and thebodyside liner on each product is removed and dissected to remove theportion of the bodyside liner to which the composition was actuallyapplied. For example, if the composition was applied as 4 continuouslines having a width of 0.25 inches with spaces of 0.75 inches inbetween, the 4 strips of bodyside liner would be removed.

4. The samples which include the portions of the bodyside liner to whichthe composition was applied are then grouped together and subjected toSoxhlet Extraction with Gravimetric Analysis (SEGA) as described above.The remaining portions of the bodyside liner are also grouped togetherand subjected to a separate SEGA extraction.

5. The residue (composition) remaining for each group is then weighed.The amount of composition recovered from the portions of the bodysideliner to which the composition was applied is then compared to theamount of composition recovered from the remaining portions of thebodyside liner to determine the stability of the composition at hightemperature.

The cd-direction migration loss of the absorbent article is thendetermined as follows:

CD-direction migration loss (%)=[L _(sp)/(L _(a) +L _(sp))]×100

wherein,

L_(sp)=average weight (g) of composition recovered from the portions ofthe bodyside liner to which the composition was not applied per diaper

L_(a)=average weight (g) of composition recovered from the portions ofthe bodyside liner to which the composition was applied per diaper

The compositions of the present invention can be further describedthrough examples of compositions considered to be within the scope ofthe present invention. The examples provided herein are intended to berepresentative of the present invention but are not intended todelineate the extent of the present invention. To the extent thatamounts of individual components or total compositions are referred toin terms of “effective amounts”, “effective amount” is understood tomean an amount that will have the desired effect of that component orcomposition. For example, an “effective amount” of one of thecompositions of the invention is understood to mean an amount that, whenapplied to the bodyfacing or skin contacting surface of an article, willenhance the barrier function of the skin. Further, as used herein, allrecited ranges of amounts, temperatures, molecular weights andpenetration hardnesses are intended to include all sub-ranges within therecited ranges, even though not specifically stated. Examples ofcompositions of the invention are provided in Table 1. below.

TABLE 1 Formula (weight percent) 1 2 3 4 Propylene Glycol 43% — 49%36.50%   Polyethylene Glycol 200 — 40% — — Methyl Propane Diol — —  5%10% Potyethylene Glycol 8000 20% — — — Polyethylene Glycol 10,000 — 18%— — Polyethylene Glycol 20,000 — — 15% 20% Cetyl Alcohol — —  5% —Stearyl Alcohol 10%  5% 18% — Behenyl Alcohol 10% 15% — 10% GlycerylStearate SE  3% — — — Emulsifying Wax NF —  5%  3% — Glyceryl Laurate SE— — — 3.50%   Sunflower Oil 10% — — 10% Borage Oil — 15% — — Avocado Oil— —  3% — Soy Sterol  1% — — — Lanasterol —  2% — 10% Cholesterol — — 2% — Myristyl Myristate  3% — — — Formula (weight percent) 5 6 7 8Propylene Glycol 28.20%   — 75.50%    5% Methyl Propane Diol — 51% —  4%Hydrogenated Starch  5% — — — Hydrolyzate Polyethylene Glycol 6,000 — —— 25% Polyethylene Glycol 10,000 25% — — — Polyethylene Glycol 15,000 —20% — 15% Polyethylene Glycol 50,000 — —  5% — Cetyl Alcohol — 10% — —Stearyl Alcohol — — — 15% Behenyl Alcohol 25% 10%  8% — Emulsifying WaxNF —  2% — 10% Glyceryl Laurate SE — —  3% — Laureth-3  2% — — —Laureth-4  3% — — — Cetyl Dimethicone Copolymer — — 0.50%   — LaurylMethicone Copolymer —  1% — — Dimethicone 10%  2%  2%  1% Petrolatum — ——  5% Sunflower Oil  1% — — 15% Borage Oil —  3% — — Avocado Oil — —  5%— Soy Sterol 0.80%   — —  5% Lanasterol — —  1% — Cholesterol —  1% — —Formula (weight percent) 9 10 11 12 Propylene Glycol 41% — 20% 10%Polyethylene Glycol 200 — 30% —  4% Polyethylene Glycol 10,000 20% 21%25% 15% Stearyl Alcohol 10% 10% 10% 15% Behenyl Alcohol 10% 10% 15% 15%Glyceryl Stearate SE  3% — 15% — Emulsifying Wax NF —  5% — 10%Sunflower Oil 10% —  5% 10% Borage Oil — 15% 10% — Cholesterol  1%  1% 7%  1% DOW CORNING 1664  5% — — — Emulsion Encapsulated Dimethicone — 8% — — MICROSPONGE with — —  3% — Dimethicone Dimethicone-treated Zinc— — — 20% Oxide

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to thespecific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled inthe art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readilyconceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to theseaspects. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.

We claim:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: (a) an outer cover; (b) aliquid permeable bodyside liner that defines a bodyfacing surface andthat is connected in superposed relation to the outer cover; (c) anabsorbent body that is located between the bodyside liner and the outercover; and (d) a composition on at least a portion of the bodyfacingsurface of the bodyside liner that includes from about 10 to about 90percent by weight of hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 to about 95percent by weight of high molecular weight polyethylene glycol having amolecular weight of at least about 720 daltons, from about 1 to about 30percent by weight of a C₁₄ to C₃₀ fatty alcohol, from about 1 to about20 percent by weight of emulsifying surfactant having a combined HLB ina range greater than 7, from about 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight ofnatural fats or oils, from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight ofsterols or sterol derivatives and from about 0.1 to about 10 percent byweight of emollient.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thecomposition has a melting point from about 32° C. to about 100° C. 3.The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the composition has aviscosity of from about 200 to about 100,000 centipoise at a temperatureof 55° C.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the compositionhas a penetration hardness of from about 5 millimeters to about 365millimeters at 25° C.
 5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thecomposition is on the bodyfacing surface in an amount of from about 0.1grams per meter squared (g/m²) to about 30 g/m².
 6. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic solvent of the compositionis selected from water, propylene glycol, low molecular weightpolyethylene glycol, glycerin, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate andmixtures thereof.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein themolecular weight of the high molecular weight polyethylene glycol isfrom about 720 to about 1,840,000 daltons.
 8. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the molecular weight of the high molecular weightpolyethylene glycol is from about 1,400 to about 440,000 daltons.
 9. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the fatty alcohol of thecomposition is selected from cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidylalcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof.
 10. The absorbent articleof claim 1, wherein the surfactant of the composition is selected fromglyceryl stearate SE, glycol stearate SE, sorbitan stearate, waterdispersible metal soaps, lauryl methicone copolymers, cetyl methiconecopolymers, cetyl dimethicone copolymers, stearyl dimethiconecopolymers, behenyl dimethicone copolymer, dimethicone copolymers andmixtures thereof.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thenatural fat or oil of the composition is selected from Avocado Oil,Apricot Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Oil, Camellia Oil, Canola Oil, CastorOil, Coconut Oil, Corn Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil,Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, MaleatedSoybean Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Peanut Oil, Rapeseed Oil,Safflower Oil, Sphingolipids, Sweet Almond Oil, Tall Oil, Lauric Acid,Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, LaurylAlcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Benenyl Alcohol, Rose Hip Oil, Calendula Oil,Chamomile Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Juniper Oil, Sandlewood Oil, Tea TreeOil, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil and mixtures thereof.
 12. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the stero or sterol derivative of thecomposition is selected from cholesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, andergosterol, as well as, C₁₀-C₃₀ cholesterol/lanosterol esters,cholecalciferol, cholesteryl hydroxystearate, cholesteryl isostearate,cholesteryl stearate, 7-dehydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesterol,dihydrocholesteryl octyldecanoate, dihydrolanosterol, dihydrolanosteryloctyldecanoate, ergocalciferol, tall oil sterol, soy sterol acetate,lanasterol, soy sterol, avocado sterols, sterol esters and mixturesthereof.
 13. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the emollient ofthe composition is selected from petroleum based oils, petrolatum,mineral oils, alkyl dimethicones, alkyl methicones, phenyl silicones,alkyl trimethylsilanes, dimethicone, lanolin, fatty alcohols andmixtures thereof.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thecomposition further includes from about 1 to about 20 percent by weightof a viscosity enhancer.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 14, whereinthe viscosity enhancer is selected from actrylamides copolymers, agar,gelatin, water dispersible metal soaps, butoxy chitosan, carboxymethylcellulose, hydrated silica, kelp, magnesium silicate, methyl cellulose,PEG crosspolymer, polyvinyl alcohols, sodium acrylates copolymers, TEAalginates, xanthan gums, yeast polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. 16.The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the composition furtherincludes a water-based emulsion containing dimethicone.
 17. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the composition further includes amicroencapsulated dimethicone.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the composition further includes an entrapped dimethicone. 19.The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the composition furtherincludes a dimethicone-treated powder.
 20. A method of applying acomposition to a bodyfacing surface of a bodyside liner of an absorbentarticle comprising the steps of: (a) heating a composition comprising ahydrophilic solvent, a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol havinga molecular weight of at least 720 daltons, a C₁₄ to C₃₀ fatty alcohol,an emulsifying surfactant having a combined HLB in a range greater than7, natural fats or oils, a sterol or sterol derivative and an emollientto a temperature above the melting point of the composition, thecomposition having a melting point of from about 32° C. to about 100°C.; (b) applying the composition to the bodyfacing surface of a bodysideliner of an absorbent article; and (c) resolidifying the composition.21. The method of claim 20, wherein after the step of resolidification,the composition has a viscosity of greater than about 200 centipoise.22. The method of claim 20, wherein after the step of resolidification,the composition has a penetration hardness of from about 5 to about 365millimeters at 25° C.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein after the stepof heating, the composition is applied by spraying.
 24. The method ofclaim 20, wherein after the step of heating, the composition is appliedby slot coating.
 25. The method of claim 20, wherein after the step ofheating, the composition is applied by printing.
 26. A compositioncomprising from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight of hydrophilicsolvent, from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of high molecularweight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of at least 720daltons, from about 1 to about 30 percent by weight of a C₁₄ to C₃₀fatty alcohol, from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of emulsifyingsurfactant having a combined HLB in a range greater than 7, from about0.1 to about 30 percent by weight of natural fat or oil, from about 0.1to about 10 percent by weight of sterols and sterol derivatives and fromabout 0.1 lo about 10 percent by weight of emollient, wherein thecomposition has a penetration hardness of from about 5 to about 365millimeters at 25° C.
 27. The composition of claim 26, wherein thecomposition has a melting point from about 32° C. to about 100° C. 28.The composition of claim 26, wherein the composition has a processviscosity less than about 100 centipoise under shear and pressure. 29.The composition of claim 26, wherein the composition further includes adimethicone-treated powder.
 30. The composition of claim 26, wherein thehydrophilic solvent of the composition is selected from water, propyleneglycol, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol, glycerin, hydrogenatedstarch hydrolysate and mixtures thereof.
 31. The composition of claim26, wherein the molecular weight of the high molecular weightpolyethylene glycol is from about 720 to about 1,840,000 daltons. 32.The composition of claim 26, wherein the molecular weight of the highmolecular weight polyethylene glycol is from about 1,400 to about440,000 daltons.
 33. The composition of claim 26, wherein the fattyalcohol of the composition is selected from cetyl alcohol, stearylalcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. 34.The composition of claim 26, wherein the surfactant of the compositionis selected from glyceryl stearate SE, glycol stearate SE, sorbitanstearate, water dispersible metal soaps, lauryl methicone copolymers,cetyl methicone copolymers, cetyl dimethicone copolymers, stearyldimethicone copolymers, behenyl dimethicone copolymer, dimethiconecopolymers and mixtures thereof.
 35. The composition of claim 26,wherein the natural fat or oil is selected from Avocado Oil, ApricotOil, Babassu Oil, Borage Oil, Camellia Oil. Canola Oil, Castor Oil,Coconut Oil, Corn Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil,Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, MaleatedSoybean Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Peanut Oil, Rapeseed Oil,Safflower Oil, Sphingolipids, Sweet Almond Oil, Tall Oil, Lauric Acid,Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, LaurylAlcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Benenyl Alcohol, Rose Hip Oil, Calendula Oil,Chamomile Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Juniper Oil, Sandlewood Oil, Tea TreeOil, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil and mixtures thereof.
 36. Thecomposition of claim 26, wherein the sterol and sterol derivative isselected from cholesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, and ergosterol, aswell as, C₁₀-C₃₀ cholesterol/lanosterol esters, cholecalciferol,cholesteryl hydroxystearate, cholesteryl isostearate, cholesterylstearate, 7-dehydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesteryloctyldecanoate, dihydrolanosterol, dihydrolanosteryl octyldecanoate,ergocalciferol, tall oil sterol, soy sterol acetate, lanasterol, soysterol, avocado sterols, sterol esters and mixtures thereof.
 37. Thecomposition of claim 26, wherein the emollient of the composition isselected from petroleum based oils, petrolatum, mineral oils, alkyldimethicones, alkyl methicones, phenyl silicones, alkyltrimethylsilanes, dimethicone, lanolin, fatty alcohols and mixturesthereof.
 38. The composition of claim 26, wherein the compositionfurther includes from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of aviscosity enhancer.
 39. The composition of claim 38, wherein theviscosity enhancer is selected from actrylamides copolymers, agar,gelatin, water dispersible metal soaps, butoxy chitosan, carboxymethylcellulose, hydrated silica, kelp, magnesium silicate, methyl cellulose,PEG crosspolymer, polyvinyl alcohols, sodium acrylates copolymers, TEAalginates, xanthan gums, yeast polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. 40.The composition of claim 26, wherein the composition further includes awater-based emulsion containing dimethicone.
 41. The composition ofclaim 26, wherein the composition further includes a microencapsulateddimethicone.
 42. The composition of claim 26, wherein the compositionfurther includes an entrapped dimethicone.
 43. A method for enhancingskin barrier function on a skin surface of a user, comprising the stepsof: a) contacting the skin surface of the user with a bodyfacing surfaceof a liner material, the bodyfacing surface having a compositioncomprising a hydrophilic solvent, a high molecular weight polyethyleneglycol having a molecular weight of at least 720 daltons, a C₁₄-C₃₀fatty alcohol, an emulsifying surfactant having a combined HLB in arange greater than 7, natural fat or oil, a sterol or sterol derivativeand an emollient; b) maintaining the bodyfacing surface in contact withthe skin surface for a sufficient amount of time to transfer thecomposition to the skin surface; and c) repeating the contact of theskin surface with the bodyfacing surface of the liner material for asufficient period of time to enhance skin barrier function, wherein thecomposition comprises from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight ofhydrophilic solvent, from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of highmolecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of atleast 720 daltons, from about 1 to about 30 percent by weight of a C₁₄to C₃₀ fatty alcohol, from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight ofemulsifying surfactant having a combined HLB in a range greater than 7,from about 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight of natural fat or oil, fromabout 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of sterols and sterolderivatives and from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight ofemollient.
 44. An absorbent article comprising: (a) an outer cover; (b)a liquid permeable bodyside liner that defines a bodyfacing surface andthat is connected in superposed relation to the outer cover; (c) anabsorbent body that is located between the bodyside liner and the outercover; and a composition on at least a portion of the bodyfacing surfaceof the bodyside liner that includes from about 10 to about 90 percent byweight of hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 to about 95 percent byweight of high molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecularweight of at least about 720 daltons, from about 1 to about 30 percentby weight of a C₁₄ to C₃₀ fatty alcohol, from about 1 to about 20percent by weight of emulsifying surfactant having a combined HLB in arange greater than 7, from about 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight ofnatural fats or oils, from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight ofsterols or sterol derivatives and from about 0.1 to about 10 percent byweight of emollient, wherein the composition has a viscosity of fromabout 200 to about 100,000 centipoise at a temperature of 55° C.
 45. Anabsorbent article comprising: (a) an outer cover; (b) a liquid permeablebodyside liner that defines a bodyfacing surface and that is connectedin superposed relation to the outer cover; (c) an absorbent body that islocated between the bodyside liner and the outer cover; and acomposition on at least a portion of the bodyfacing surface of thebodyside liner that includes from about 10 to about 90 percent by weightof hydrophilic solvent, from about 6 to about 95 percent by weight ofhigh molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight ofat least about 720 daltons, from about 1 to about 30 percent by weightof a C₁₄ to C₃₀ fatty alcohol, from about 1 to about 20 percent byweight of emulsifying surfactant having a combined HLB in a rangegreater than 7, from about 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight of naturalfats or oils, from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of sterols orsterol derivatives and from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight ofemollient, wherein the composition has a penetration hardness of fromabout 5 millimeters to about 365 millimeters at 25° C.